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Hydrogen hype is no substitute for common sense energy policy

Columns

We shouldn’t pretend green hydrogen is the future just because Europe is wasting billions on it. Department of Energy Secretary Wright said concerning hydrogen, “it’s time to look at the facts.” Facts don’t favor green hydrogen, which is why the DOE will examine “co-financing, offtake agreements and good engineering” in deciding whether to continue spending $7 billion on hydrogen hubs. Let’s start with the basics: today, 99% of hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, and more specifically natural gas and coal. Green hydrogen is less than 1% of our energy use, and it ...

Watching magic being made one step at a time

Columns

I’ve been watching magic happen right before my eyes. My husband, Mike, doesn’t make his living as a magician, but that doesn’t mean he gives his craft any less effort when the occasion calls for him to invest some of his time and creativity. There are certain groups, businesses and organizations who ask him to perform for them on an annual basis. The Oglebay Mansion, for example, features his show every Christmas season. Now, as the school year is winding down, Mike is scheduled to perform at an elementary school in West Virginia;s Northern Panhandle in the coming week. ...

Prioritize mental health

Editorials

Recent editions of The Times Leader have featured a number of articles calling attention to the fact that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Proclamations have been made, students have heard presentations and activities, such as special walks, have been held with public participation encouraged. There is good reason to bring the subject into the spotlight and to work toward eliminating the stigma that surrounds concerns about mental health. Access to mental health care is limited in the local area, and some people aren’t getting the help they so desperately need. “We had ...

Welcome to the real world of business!

Columns

A few years ago, Lynnda and I were on vacation in mid-July with our youngest son and his family. Lauren, his second oldest was getting ready to go off to college. She was working a part-time summer job. During the vacation she announced she wanted to quit because, “They want me to work three days in a row.” My son responded, “Lauren, that is what it is like in the real world. Your mother and I work five days a week and sometimes on Saturdays.” Lauren stared at her dad. “I don’t know how you do it!” Lauren has grown a lot in the last four years. She worked summer ...

National Police Week

Editorials

While we often focus on the safety of local communities as a selling point to attract new residents and visitors, it is important to remember the sacrifice of the men and women who work to make that safety possible. This is National Police Week, with Thursday set aside as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This week, communities across the country will take time to reflect on the work, and dangers, experienced by law enforcement officers as they serve and protect their communities. Each ceremony, whether it be the 37th annual Candlelight Vigil to be held Tuesday in Washington, D.C., or the ...

Cheers & Jeers

Editorials

CHEERS to news that the MLB reinstated Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, making them eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Both had been banned after careers tarnished by gambling scandals. JEERS to the fact that fire destroyed a Bellaire business, Devendra’s Auto, on Monday. Fortunately, no one was inside the building when the blaze broke out, but three firefighters were treated for injuries. CHEERS to WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital as it celebrates its 175th anniversary. It buried a time capsule Monday for future generations to reveal. JEERS to reports that five suicides ...