Getting into the store is often half the challenge
Local columnist T.J. Ray writes about a pre-Christmas shopping trip, pointing out problems that some folks seem to have with reading handicap parking signs, driving with cell phones to their ears and getting in the wrong lines to check out. (January 10, 2012, Page 4)
The antidote to bullying is strong on policy
Remember those kids or groups of classmates you’d just as soon not have to pass by when you were growing up. What they were doing – bullying, whether we called it that or not – is as bad, if not worse, these days. Local columnist Deidra Jackson takes on bullying to show that it’s something we have to tackle head on. (January 5, 2012, Page 4)
You Tell Me
Local columnist Jimmy Reed is looking for ways to be more optimistic about the new year after receiving a message from a friend that contained frightening statistical data. (January 3, 2012, Page 4)
Lots of Good Samaritans around the community
Local columnist T.J. Ray continues to point out Good Samaritans – Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Compassion Ministries, American Red Cross, et cetera – around the Lafayette-Oxford-University community that we can all help in some way. (December 30, 2011, Page 4A)
Do The Hard Part First
Local columnist – and college teacher – Jimmy Reed talks about his father’s advice and how he makes that his annual New Year’s Resolution: to do, and to teach others to do, the hard part first. (December 27, 2011, Page 4)
Belle, the beagle, a model to follow in 2012
Fanatics and risk-takers have a special place in local columnist Deidra Jackson’s mind and heart, and she points to Belle, the beagle, as one who followed her instincts and enjoyed a brief shot at the good life that she’s probably never forget. Jackson writes that all of us might consider imitating Belle a bit in 2012. (December 22, 2011, Page 4)
The Road of the Samaritan
Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. Local columnist T.J. Ray reminds readers of the story and tells how we can be good Samaritans locally by helping with local organizations such as The Pantry. (December 20, 2011, Page 4A)
The Final Journey
Local columnist Jimmy Reed takes us back in history and on the “final journey” as the three wise men follow the star to find the Christ child. (December 20, 2011, Page 4A)
I sat around a campfire with William Faulkner
Guest columnist J.W. “Jay” Mitchell lets us know about a memorable hunt with his uncle, father and Oxford literary great William Faulkner. (December 19, 2011, Page 4)
‘A dollar a day, three hots and a flop’
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a helpful program in its day, and local columnist T.J. Ray wonders if we might not need – in light of how people are dealing with needs and have feelings of entitlement – to try something like that again. (December 15, 2011, Page 4)
