On the top-state-for-business bandwagon

Chris Graham

The big news in an otherwise slow news week – for those who don’t consider Michael Jackson to be anything other than an odd curiosity – had Virginia earning another ranking as the top state for business, this time from Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., a corporate site-relocation expert that has now tapped the Old…

Earth Talk | Sunspots, solar wind and oil shale

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: Don’t some scientists point to sunspots and solar wind as having more impact on climate change than human industrial activity? – David Noss, California, Md. Sunspots are storms on the sun’s surface that are marked by intense magnetic activity and play host to solar flares and hot gassy ejections from the sun’s corona….

Public review period opened on proposed statewide water regs

Chris Graham

Proposed changes to the state’s regulations regarding stormwater runoff flowing from developed properties are available for public review and comment. Five public hearings will be held statewide to receive comments on these changes, which have been more than three years in the making. Comments will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, by the Virginia…

Hometown favorites to play Lime Kiln

Contributors

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…

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…