Brunk crusades chronicled in print

Jim Bishop

It was an unprecedented event in the life of the Mennonite Church that unfolded over three decades. Between 1951 and 1981, the Brunk Evangelistic Association, based in Harrisonburg, Va., held more than 100 tent crusades across the United States and Canada. Thousands of people gathered on metal folding chairs set up on a sawdust floor…

Earth Talk | The microwave

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: How does the microwave compare in energy use, say, to using a gas or electric stove burner to heat water for a cup of tea? – Tempie, Dexter, Mich. The short answer is that it depends upon several variables, including the price of electricity versus gas, and the relative efficiency of the appliances…

Jim Bishop | On putting Descartes before the horse (neigh!)

Jim Bishop

“To be is to do” – Socrates “To do is to be” – Sartre “Do Be Do Be Do” – Sinatra I’m sure the intelligentsia among us reading this is already chuckling up their collective Harris tweed sportcoat sleeves – kinda warm for that attire, isn’t it? – as Perrier water sprays from their nostrils.

In the News

Chris Graham

– Reminder: Green Valley/Green Economy forum tonight – Local News: Chester to provide update on assessments lawsuit – Local News: Harrisonburg company wins top award for TV commercial – Local News: Opportunity to provide input on state transportation spending – Business News: DuPont Community Credit Union announces election results – Business News: Downtown-housing workshop in…

The last time I care about anything the NCAA ever does again

Chris Graham

Virginia wins the ACC Tournament in four straight, knocking off Clemson, North Carolina and Florida State along the way, climbs to #6 in the unofficial warrennolan.com RPI ratings as of the end of the day today, and the Cavs will be traveling next weekend for the first round of NCAA Tournament play next weekend, while…

Theodore Morrison | Our region needs transmission lines to power homes and businesses

Contributors

As our country continues to push for medical advancements, technological improvements and a sustainable quality of life, there is one common thread that ties these successes together – reliable electric power. Each of us is impacted every day by electric transmission. We power multiple appliances and technologies in our homes and businesses. We expect to…

Earth Talk | The fur industry

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: How is the fur industry doing these days? Has it been impacted by activism from PETA and similar groups? – Clara Andrews, Edmonds, Wash. An accurate source of up-to-date numbers is hard to come by, but it’s safe to say that the fur industry has been hurt by the ongoing and very visible…

Jim Bishop | Clarence Peifer epitomizes life of lay ministry

Jim Bishop

Clarence E. Peifer of Bridgewater will defuse any preconceived notions of how a person who turned 95 (on May 18 this year) should appear or act. Clarence moves at a slower pace these days, but gets around well. He wears a hearing aid but responds thoughtfully to questions. He recently passed another drivers’ test but…

Chris DeWald | Tai Chi, Qigong, Brain Gym

Contributors

Tai chi (pronounced “tie chee,” and also known by some other names and spellings) is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. A person doing tai chi moves his body slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating (tai chi is sometimes called “moving meditation”). Many practitioners believe that tai chi…

President Obama’s remarks on national security, Gitmo

National Archives, Washington, D.C., 10:28 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2009: Good morning, everybody. Please be seated. Thank you all for being here. Let me just acknowledge the presence of some of my outstanding Cabinet members and advisors. We’ve got our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. We have our CIA Director Leon Panetta. We have our…