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Opinion

  • Mr. Brown was just elected to go to...

    And the lights all went out in Massachusetts.

    Am I on the only one that remembers the Bee Gees song? The lights are now on and Americans are at home.

    At the same place the American Revolution began over 200 years ago, a political revolution began this month. In Liberal Massachusetts, Americans who believe in capitalism and free enterprise have rebuffed the far-reaching arm of the federal government and the socialist agenda proposed by the current administration.

  • Veteran Affairs death pension

    What is veteran affairs death pension? This benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans.

    You may be eligible if:

    ·the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, and

    ·he or she served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a period of war*, and

    ·you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran, and

    ·your countable income is below a yearly income limit set by law.

  • What writing about history has...

    Several months ago, I embarked on a historical journey when I began working on Campbell County: A look back at the beginning.

    It was a journey that took me through four municipalities and more than 200 years of struggles and determination. It was a journey into the heritage and roots of Campbell County, a deep place where some never travel; it was a journey into the past.

    But not only was it a journey into the past, but the present as well.

  • Things my parents taught me

    With my daughter’s third birthday on the horizon and my son’s eighth birthday not yet a distant memory I recently began to reflect on my own childhood.

    Of the many things I thought of was the lessons my parents tried to teach me when I growing up. It has taken some time for me to learn these lessons, but I can now honestly say I’m glad that I listened.

  • Election has possibility to shake...

    As 2010 was ushered in so was an election year.

    However, this is not just any election year.

    It is a year where nearly every office in the county is on the ballot. And if the steady traffic outside the election commission holds up as it did on the first day candidates could pick up petitions, we may have more political hopefuls than voters.

    With so many offices up for grabs Campbell County is ripe for, well just about anything.

  • Everybody needs a snow day every...

    As the snow fell faster last Thursday afternoon, I sarcastically thought ‘oh great,’ as I rushed around, trying to finish my day.

    Now before you go thinking I’m anti-snow when it comes to the fluffy white stuff, let me let you in on a little back-story.

  • Be yourself and choose your...

    William Shakespeare once said, “To thine own self be true.”

    Now that the holidays are over, it was time for me to select a new ring tone for my cell phone. I don’t know about you, but “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” isn’t exactly what I’d call a beloved, year-round song--no matter how much I love it.

  • Talking ‘bout my...

    Tucked away recently in a cosy English pub, nursing a pint of Old Speckled Hen beer and savouring a lively conversation with a group of merry Englishmen, I was experiencing one of those blissful Old World moments that only we Americans can seem to appreciate—that is, until my partner-in-suds across the oaken table shattered my nostalgic interlude with a heartbreaking revelation- an average of five pubs close each day in England, she said, victims of modern technology.

  • Want to embrace life?

    An ancient proverb once said, “All life is choice. Certain things can be stopped only if you choose to allow it to happen.”

    Several years ago when I had hair, there were two wonderful women I always went to. To this day, I have a great deal of respect for both and couldn’t ask for two better friends.

    By the way, for those who wonder where my hair went to- why don’t you ask that vindictive Mother Nature? It’s all her fault. Anyway, getting back to my story.

  • The Color of Winter

    ‘As a people, we no longer know the earth we come from, have no respect for it, (and) keep no responsibilities to it’—Wendell Berry, The Unsettling of America

  • Ten resolutions to live by

    Number 1. First, I resolve to make the most of 2010; to live and to do it quite well, despite where I may be in life. If my life isn’t perfect, at least no one can say I’m not living it to the best of my ability.

    Number 2. I resolve to not get too worked up if I’m having a bad day. Instead of having bad days, I’m going to step back and realize things and people aren’t worth my anger. It doesn’t have to do with me; it all has to do with them.

  • It really is the most wonderful...

    Earlier this week, my last hall was finally decked, the final Christmas present was wrapped and waiting patiently under my tree full of gold and ribbon, and the last batch of Christmas cookies and tall glass of milk awaits Santa in a huge tin next to my fireplace.  

    With everything going on, the memories of previous Christmases take me back to a happier time in my childhood. I can’t help but think how everything was beautiful and you felt like anything could happen. How awesome Dec. 25 always was.

  • Yes, Tennessee, There is a...

    Dear Santa,

    Are you still at the North Pole? Are you floating on a piece of ice with all of the polar bears because of global warming? How is Mrs. Claus?  Is she a good swimmer?  

    I’ve been a good boy all year. I live in Tennessee and I watch the news on TV all the time.  

    I’ve been told not to use the word Christmas any more because I might offend someone, so for this holiday, all I want is a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Is there still a U.S. Constitution, Santa?

  • Did anyone think to ask?

    Arlo Gurthrie sang this land is your land this land is my land.

    That is a nice concept.

    However, when it comes to changing the name of the land it really doesn’t apply.

    At Monday night’s county commission workshop a request was made to place a resolution on next week’s agenda to rename Demory Road. The new name would be the Grantsboro –Agee Parkway.

  •
    The greatest Christmas gift isn...

    Three…two…one…and they’re off!

    The doors swing wide as a stampede of eager shoppers flood the stores. Bumped-up security, the hottest toys of the season that sell out within five minutes, and several sale stickers adorn the window let me know that it’s officially Christmas.

  • 2010: The Year of the Conservative?

    As we end 2009, political junkies like me are already looking ahead at what may be in store for our country and state next year. This has been a historic year, with massive deficit spending by Congress, a president looking to nationalize our healthcare system, and the Conservative movement finding its voice again in the form of Tea Parties. With all that has happened in 2009, we begin to look and wander how 2010 will look this time next year. Some have said next year’s elections may be the most important in our country. I whole-heartedly agree with that sentiment.  

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    Editorial Cartoon
  • Christmas tradition has long history

    With the currently holiday season in full swing, homes are now adorned with lights inside and out, bows on trees and little ones making their lists for Santa Claus.

    At this time of year everyone has a tradition they engage in whether it be shopping with friends, a quite lunch or a favorite charity they give to.

    For me my tradition began when I was in first grade- 30 years ago.

    My Christmas tradition is to hang a red Hallmark mouse on my mother’s Christmas tree.

  • Take time to be a kid

    I sit at my laptop trying to churn out yet another story for my column. I want to write something that will make the reader feel better about the world they live in; something that reflects the softer and kinder side of life that they‘ve never known before.

    I stare at the monitor and come up with absolutely nothing.

    One hour passes, two hours pass, three hours come and go, but I’m stuck with nothing but sheer writer’s block.

  • O Christmas Tree

    They come in every shape and size and they’re made from every material: The Christmas tree. Some are cedars, some are pines, some are paper and some are plastic; some fill up the room, and others sit on table tops.