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Columns

  • Holidays bring joy and pain

    For all the joy and hope Christmas brings to some, it can mean the searing pain of loneliness to others.

    I had just pulled onto I-65 at the Franklin exit when I saw a hitchhiker holding a sign that said "Chicago."

    My wife's words were echoing in my ears, "Don't pick up strangers when you're out on the road."

    Wives are like that. But he looked too old to be much of a threat. Besides, there was a nasty looking cloud moving in from the west. I pulled over and stopped and he climbed in beside me.

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  • Resolve to keep resolutions

     

    Nine days.

    That's how long until, according to a British survey by allabouthealth.org.uk, the majority of people give up on their New Year's resolutions.

    Last year, my resolution was to wear earrings every day. Things were going well until the sixth day when I discovered half of a pair of earrings I had just gotten for Christmas on the floor - chewed up beyond recognition - and a guilty-looking beagle named Ellie nearby.

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  • Can we talk?

     

    I used to work with someone who would on rare occasions step into my office and ask, "Can we talk?"

    I immediately knew something was seriously amiss and therefore needed to be addressed in order to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.

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  • Christmas wishes

     

    This is one of my favorite times of the year.

    It’s busy, but people seem happy. They spend time with each other. They decorate. They donate to worthy causes and pitch in to help those in need.

    The winter season gets in full swing and even the chance of snow flurries makes me happy.

    We laugh more and are more generous. People buy presents for those they love and those who might not get presents.

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  • Guidelines for responsible pet ownership

    Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. Pets are wonderful, loving companions, which can bring much happiness into our lives. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations. A responsible pet owner will:

    • Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet. Make sure you are willing to commit to an adult dog or cat for a minimum of 10 years. Some birds actually outlive their owners.

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  • Community papers still going strong

    In recent years, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of journalism, specifically, the printed newspaper.

    News media sites such as the New York Times and Yahoo! have brought journalism to a new level. Their content is constantly updated and is invaluable for staying informed on the current events and issues affecting our country. This instant access to news has led many to believe that the demise of local community newspapers, like the News-Journal, is inevitable.

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  • Staying within your means this Christmas

    While I still have a month left to get my Christmas shopping done, I am already stressed out. I haven’t checked a single name off my list yet, and there are several on there this year. Of course, at the top of my list is my niece.

    This will be her first Christmas, and though I doubt she will remember it, I am determined to find her the perfect present. Or I should clarify, presents.

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  • Tell me another story, Mr. Lincoln

    I wonder what Abe Lincoln would think about all the fuss with Steven Spielberg’s epic movie “Lincoln.”

    I can hear a reporter asking the ghost of Mr. Lincoln, “Did you ever think your popularity would soar even beyond its already lofty heights? And, how does this development affect your assessment of your own place in history?”

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  • The Caring Place Christmas list

    Last year, one of our staff members at The Caring Place asked a 7-year-old boy what he wanted for Christmas. He said, “I already have it. A safe place to stay.”

    A young mother wondered if she had done the right thing in leaving her abuser so close to the holidays. When asked why she said she didn’t know how she was going to buy her two children what was on their Christmas list for Santa.

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  • Giving thanks

     

    Children really do say the darndest things, don't they?

    Second-graders at Campbellsville and Taylor County elementary schools had some pretty good answers when I asked them what they are thankful for. Read their answers on today's front page.

    After meeting with the students on Friday, I began to think about what I am thankful for this year.

    First, I am thankful for the 20 children I interviewed last week. They are the future of Taylor County. Judging by the answers I got to my questions, the future is bright in our county.

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