Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for a new mattress after two decades on “old faithful” and I figure it’s a good time to go green. What are the options out there these days for eco-friendly mattresses?

Betsey Langdon

Chicago

In a previous article, I explained that the commercialization of space is underway — whole new futures are available. Many readers contacted me to say they cannot see the economics of space travel — yet. Rockets and technology development are expensive. What the heck are investors thinking? Big risk, little apparent gains to make.

Reading. It’s the key to so much success in life. Education and careers are founded on having a strong command of the English language, which is why it’s so critical our young students hone their literacy skills during their journey into adulthood. Whether in school or at home, reading needs to be inspired and supported in order to make children successful. 

Honor veterans every day

With Memorial Day being this week, I would like to say thank you to all vets and active and reserve duty service men and woman. My dad served in World War II. My brothers seerved during Vietnam and my brother-in-law and boyfriend are also Vietnam vets. My brother Richard grew up in the Northwest Corner and enlisted 50 years ago as of May 14. 

There is much confusion in the mainstream media and on talk shows between the political concept of “impeachable offense” and the legal definition of “criminal offense” in U.S. jurisprudence. How do these two terms apply to the “Russia connection,” if at all? Also, to add to the confusion, a sitting president can be turned out of active office for “inability” to carry out the duties of the office, although technically that “inability” is not impeachable and is not itself a crime.

Every year, Americans look forward to the start of the summertime season. When they do so, we hope, they also have their sights set on commemorating Memorial Day. Often overshadowed by the promise of sunny days at the beach and barbecues in the back yard, Memorial Day is an important holiday.

Part 3 of 3

The day after José was arrested at his Amenia home in the early morning hours, his wife Elizabeth spent two-and-a-half hours with an immigration lawyer in Danbury, using money she and José had set aside for the oil bill. (Vecinos Seguros will cover the oil bill.) She had also tried to visit the Orange County Detention Center where José is being held, but had gotten lost. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s father and sister had taken care of their two preschoolers, Ana and Luis.