Earth Talk | The power of solar

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: I know of solar power systems that people can put on their roofs to generate electricity or heat water. Are there systems that serve whole neighborhoods? – Lee Helscel, via e-mail Collective bargaining is a good strategy when looking to get the best price on a given product or service. Solar power is…

Earth Talk | Lowland gorillas

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: Has the recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatened the populations of lowland gorillas? How many are left? – Glenn Hammond, San Francisco, Calif. The short answer is yes, dramatically. Not to be confused with Western Lowland Gorillas, which are thriving in significant numbers in neighboring Congo (a recent census counted…

Dad’s Point of View | Internet Dating 101, and how I met my wife

Contributors

When I got separated and then divorced six years ago, the world of dating had gone through a change. Internet dating was well underway and the quaint idea of friends introducing you to other friends seemed to have gone the way of the horse and buggy. There were still bars and clubs, but those options…

In the News

Chris Graham

– Local News: Staunton appoints new fire chief – Sports: Waynesboro Generals game postponed – Economy: Consumer Price Index up in May – Local News: EMU residence hall to run on solar – Event: Presidential Library to host history camp – State News: Kaine signs veterans legislation  

Rick Webb | Misrepresenting the status of the proposed Highland County Wind Energy Project

Contributors

State and national newspapers, including the Richmond Times Dispatch and USA Today, have reported that Highland New Wind Development is prepared to begin construction by early summer with possible completion by the end of the year. The source of the reported information is the developer’s public relations spokesman, Frank Maisano, who announced in a press…

Earth Talk | Birth-control chemicals in drinking water?

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: Is there any truth to the rumor about high levels of birth-control chemicals being found in some cities’ drinking water? If so can these be filtered out? – Elizabeth Yerkes, via e-mail It is true that trace amounts of birth control and other medications—as well as household and industrial chemicals of every stripe—are…

In the News

Chris Graham

– State News: Kaine issues executive order on environmental impact of state government – Local News: Public meeting on South River study on Thursday – Sports: Free tickets for Friday’s Waynesboro-Staunton game – Local News: Flag Day at Wilson Library – Event: Valley Pride July 26