Comics Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

The search for apps for your favorite comics can be fun or daunting, depending on whether you have time to browse the more than 2,000 such apps in the stores. Here are some highly rated comics apps, free unless noted, for your tapping enjoyment:

Language Learning Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Whether you are traveling or just want to learn a new language, there are a multitude of apps available to get you up to speed. With a tap of the screen, you can get translations of words and phrases, or even learn sign language with instruction.

Fastest Movers, Apps of the Week: May 13 – 19

This week’s most popular apps ran the gamut from wallpaper from the blockbuster “The Avengers” movie to a digital form of visual stimulation for newborns. Games were still popular, especially for iPhone users, while Android aficionados tended…

Fitness Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Getting in shape is starting to become more of a priority now that warm weather has begun to move in. The highest-rated fitness apps range from a motivational tip a day to pedometers that encourage you to walk those extra steps each day.

Golf Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Golf apps have sprung up for both real and armchair golfers. There are a slew of apps that help keep you in the loop, improve your swing and familiarize you with your favorite course. Here are the most highly rated golf apps.

Rails to trails movement grows around country

By Carole Feldman Associated Press

On a route once traversed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, shouts of "On your left" ring out as cyclists pass runners, in-line skaters and families out for a stroll with children and dogs.

Fastest Movers, Apps of the Week: May 6-12

This week’s most popular apps on Apple are loaded with choices for kids, including classic tales and TV characters, while users on Android selected apps that enhance the digital experience.

Learning Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

National Teacher Day was celebrated this week as a commemoration of the work and care that our teachers do and give to their students day in and day out. As a tribute to them, Mobilewalla has selected highly rated apps that promote learning.

Apps for Moms We Love, ranked by Mobilewalla

Mother's Day is on the horizon — May 13. To help and support moms, Mobilewalla has chosen the most highly ranked apps to aid in managing the household and make chores and errands easier (and dads can use them, too). Now you can start shopping…

Is the Vogue vow more hype than health?

By Leanne Italie Associated Press

Lip service or sea change? Skeptics wonder whether Vogue magazine's vow to ban models under 16 or those of any age with visible signs of eating disorders is more hype than health.

Highland students learn aviation history is close to home with Octave Chanute project

By Jane Ammeson Times Correspondent

When Octave Chanute glided from the top of a dune on Miller Beach in 1896, he not only flew into aviation history, but also, in many ways, into oblivion as well.

Fastest Movers, Apps of the Week: April 29 to May 5

The week's most popular app downloads ran the gamut, from recipe sharing and ways to replicate stars' hairstyles on Apple, to upgrades for popular games on Android. Here are the fastest movers of the week:

'Hunger Games' fever makes archery cool for kids

By Leanne Italie Associated Press

In schools and backyards, for their birthdays and out with their dads, kids are gaga for archery four weeks into the box office run of "The Hunger Games" and less than 100 days before the London Olympics.

Consumer Magazine Apps for iPad, ranked by Mobilewalla

Major consumer magazines created digital issues first for the iPad, and are rolling them out for Android, Nook and the Kindle Fire. Mobilewalla rankings for magazines are high in Apple and are starting to build in Android. However, the scores…

No flowers for Christy Turlington Burns this Mother's Day

By Samantha Critchell Associated Press

Please, no flowers for Christy Turlington Burns this Mother's Day. No chocolates and no last-minute, convenience-store cards, either.

Elaborate prom invites get new name: Prom-posals

By Beth J. Harpaz Associated Press Writer

Never mind a text that meekly asks "will u go 2 prom w/me?"

Great Deal Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Smartphones have changed the shopping experience. Clip coupons with a click, and get location-based deals on grocery items or for deals at restaurants or on your next vacation. You can become a more savvy shopper by checking out these highly …

WANISS May Wine Brunch celebrates 40th year raising money for a musical cause

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Erma Bombeck, housewife-turned-humorist and syndicated newspaper columnist, is famous for a quote to describe the fashion romance women have with hats.

Gray hair is in fashion, but what about at work?

By Leanne Italie Associated Press Writer

Jeanne Thompson began going gray at 23. She colored her hair for years as she worked her way into management at a large Boston-area financial services company, then gave up the dye for good about a year ago.

Fastest Movers, Apps of the Week: April 22 to 28

The most popular apps that were downloaded this week were all over the map, from phone enhancements that allow you to record calls legally to a grocery-shopping app with voice response. Here are the fastest movers of the week:

Pinterest inspires fervor for sharing interests, DIY projects

By Carrie Rodovich Times Correspondent

When Sally Skowronski is looking for new ideas to use in her fourth-grade classroom at Hammond's Harding Elementary School, she turns to Pinterest.

Balmoral Park in Crete an 85-year-old trifecta of horses, history and entertainment

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

The 138th Kentucky Derby is ready to capture the attention of the world on May 5th with the traditional promise of what's become known as "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports."

Take a walk for friendship with Best Buddies

By Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Members of the region's Best Buddies Clubs are encouraging supporters to get involved in their latest fundraiser this week.

After a century, bald eagles return to region to nest

By Heather Augustyn Times Correspondent

Michael Topp of Highland has been an avid birder for at least three decades. But this spring, Topp witnessed something that neither he, nor anyone else in this lifetime, has seen in the high branches of Northwest Indiana — a bald eagle nest.

Region man has made advertising his pride, passion for major food chains

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

When Gerry Jasinski was asked to work with McDonald's executives for a Happy Meal promotional tie-in with the launch of the 1979 "Star Trek" franchise, he broke ground for what has become common place for the fast-food chain giant.

Egg decorating class brings ancient tradition to new audience

By Carrie Rodovich Times Correspondent

More than 15 years ago, Susan Blubaugh bought a pysanky egg decorating kit so she and her daughters would have a fun craft to do.

Aggressive parents force egg hunt cancellation

By P. Solomon Banda Associated Press

An annual Easter egg hunt attended by hundreds of children has been canceled because of misbehavior last year. Not by the kids, but by the grown-ups.

Time Saver Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Your time is precious, and now there are many ways to help you save time with different kinds of apps. Here are some highly rated apps that will help you manage your time at the office and social media, and even a timer to help your child man…

Tax Prep Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

Tax deadline day, April 15, is around the corner. Many filers' biggest issue is getting organized enough to submit their tax returns. With these apps, you can ask an accountant any of your questions or snap photos of your receipts and keep th…

True or False? TRUE! 'MythBusters' exhibit opens in Chicago this weekend

By Philip Potempa, philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

For those who thought today's advanced technology and the advent of the Internet would kill many carefully spun hoaxes and myths from around the globe, the reality is just the opposite.

Motorcycle mamas: Women bikers take to the road in record numbers

By Jane Ammeson Times Correspondent

Deanie Wright, a retired NIPSCO worker who owns an embroidery shop in Merrillville, had never been on a motorcycle — either as a driver or a rider. She was 64 and sewing for members of motorcycle groups, listening to them talk about their lov…

Smoke signals: Annual Midwest Smoke Out a sure-fire hit after three years of success

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

The first time she heard about the idea of a Northwest Indiana event celebrating a cigar and luxuries showcase, Andrea Pearman, creative commander of Diversified Marketing Strategies Inc. in Crown Point, knew it was destined to become what sh…

Good Food Apps, ranked by Mobilewalla

March is National Nutrition Month, and with the proliferation of new apps on the market, being an inventive and organized cook has become a lot easier. There even is a smart app for the new mom: An allergy tracker helps you stay vigilant abou…

Yoga poses as Olympic sport: Is that a stretch?

By Deepti Hajela Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The judges will be watching — were the competitor's knees locked? Were the wrists straight? Did the forehead and the knee connect? If not, points are going to be lost.

Pet of the week: Umber

Umber is a 1-year-old, female rabbit. She is a glamour girl who loves to keep her lush velveteen fur in top condition. Umber is a little shy at first, but she is a friendly rabbit with a sweet disposition.

Campaign laughs, history on view at Newseum in D.C.

By Brett Zongker Associated Press

Tina Fey's red suit, flag pin and eyeglasses worn to channel her Sarah Palin parodies of the 2008 presidential race are going on view at the Newseum, along with items from journalists and candidates who made history in presidential politics.

Mardi Gras Museum puts contents on auction block

By Mary Foster Associated Press

Designed as a celebration of Mardi Gras when it opened in 1992, a museum in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner has closed and its stock of memorabilia will go on the auction block.

First lady fixes on must-dos prior to election run

By Nancy Benac Associated Press

Gearing up for a tough political season ahead, Michelle Obama said she's trying to get as much done as possible before the general election campaign starts to drown out everything else.

Pet briefs

ADOPTION EVENT | Highland

Give the gift of song for Valentine's Day

By Kim Cook For The Associated Press

This Valentine's Day, your gift could be one in a million, or one of 189 million.

Nerds at Heart dating concept uses board games to bring singles together

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

When Thomas Emerson of Valparaiso said his friend needed some dating advice, he had a great idea. Emerson's idea for his studious, bespectacled friend, who has a love of movies and good books, was a dating party event that includes board game…

Love gone wrong? Go digital to get over an ex

By Leanne Italie Associated Press Writer

You thought you found your one true love online, but now you've been dumped by text or defriended on Facebook without a peep of explanation. Hours of bad TV in your bathrobe haven't helped. Your friends are tired of your whining.

VU Grad, legendary pitchman JoBe Cerny scratches his head at some Super Bowl commercials

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com (219) 852-4327

The Academy Award nominated film "The Artist" is attracting crowds as it tells a story of drama and humor in two hours — all without saying a world.

Deciphering the Super Bowl: XLVI is Greek to kids

By Leanne Italie Associated Press

Kids LOL and OMG each other all day, but ask them to decipher the XLVI of this year's Super Bowl and discover that Roman numerals have largely gone the way of cursive and penmanship.

Testing for HIV together, hearing results together

By Carla K. Johnson AP Medical Writer

Newly dating and slightly anxious, two men bared their arms for blood tests and pondered the possibility that one of them, or both, could be infected with HIV. An innovative program — called Testing Together — would allow them to hear their t…

Adopted children become mini-ambassadors to celebrate Lunar New Year

By Leanne Italie Associated Press Writer

With its fireworks, family reunions and feasts, Lunar New Year is the longest and most important celebration for millions around the world.

M&Ms, good gloves and patience cut slopeside tears

By Samantha Critchell Associated Press

One of the worst things a parent can see on the ski slopes — short of an injury — is the swelling of a tear underneath the layers of facemask, goggles and helmet. The problem isn't only that the little drop of water could freeze: It could be …

IU Northwest pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. with 'Freedom Riders'

By Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com (219) 933-3365

Indiana University Northwest in Gary will present a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. through a special upcoming campus event.

Fastest Movers, Apps of the Week: Jan. 1 - 7

Downloading apps has become more commonplace for smartphone users who are looking to use their phones to organize their information, entertainment and reference needs all in one hand-held place. Below are the most popular downloads of this we…