Earth Talk | Insulating paints

AFP

Dear EarthTalk: Do insulating paints actually insulate and save energy? If they do, are they environmentally friendly to use? – Bob Dibrindisi, Easthampton, Mass. Paint additives that claim insulating qualities have been marketed since the late 1990s, but energy research organizations have not confirmed their insulating value. For its part, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…

A clear direction on energy

Chris Graham

We may not yet have a firm grasp on exactly what we need to do to merge the words clean and energy in perfect harmony, even with the 219-212 vote of the House of Representatives on cap-and-trade legislation last week. But we do at least have direction, and considering how much muck was thrown into…

Tom Perriello | Fifth District Report

AFP

Last week, the U.S. House passed historic legislation to create millions of new jobs in the clean energy economy and increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act because I believe it is a necessary step in declaring our energy independence and creating…

Festival combines the serious and casual, sobering and hopeful

Chris Graham

Fanfares and flip-flops. Handel’s massive story of Samson and two short works written within the past year. A call to hope arising from the ashes of New York’s World Trade Center. The 17th annual Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival at Eastern Mennonite University combined serious music with casual dress, Baroque masterworks with contemporary compositions and painful…

Tom Perriello | Fifth District Report

AFP

Last week, the Congress took up several key votes relating to national security. I joined with others in the House of Representatives to condemn the regime in Iran for its repressive crackdown on non-violent, pro-democracy demonstrators. As brave citizens risked their lives in the streets of Tehran, the U.S. Congress acted swiftly to let the…

Hometown favorites to play Lime Kiln

AFP

Many Rockbridge-area performers consider Theater at Lime Kiln their home. On Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, Lime Kiln hosts two events featuring artists who can make that claim. James Leva and Purgatory Mountain perform Old Time and original music in The Bowl on Saturday, and Lexington native, award-winning author and actor Peter Neofotis…