Opinions
Caribbean Dining
B. J. and I have made the Bahamas and the Caribbean a kind of second home. We have cruised there six times and we are in the process of booking yet another cruise to the awesome Western Caribbean in the not-too-distant future. The blue clear Caribbean is funtabulous and the tropical islands are balmy, beautiful and dreamy.
[Full Story »]
Money down the drain
Did you know that the Federal Government owns or leases between 55,000 and 77,000 vacant properties? The really insane part to this problem is that the government leases office space for various government agencies instead of using some of the vacant properties to house the agencies.
[Full Story »]
Oh, my aching feet!
Last Tuesday, Larry and I drove to Brunswick for a doctor’s appointment. Despite the fact that the calendar says Spring is here, the temperatures were nippy and the wind blustery. We were nearly to the car when a blast of icy wind stopped us cold. We decided we’d better run back in for coats—just in case. Arriving a tad early for the appointment, we parked on a side street downtown and settled in to wait. Larry pulled out his ubiquitous novel and started to read.
[Full Story »]
Think about it
I got to thinking about what makes or breaks a President and have decided it’s nothing more than dumb luck because it’s the last year of a man’s term is all that counts. It doesn’t really matter what you are or do as President. You can be a drunk, a philanderer, get us into a war, (right here it is always best if you win it), it really doesn’t matter what you are or what you do, if the economy is good. People look in their pocket and if there is anything there they keep the man they’ve got, or if their pockets are empty, will vote for whoever promises to fill it the fullest. That’s the long and short of it.
[Full Story »]
Cookout time
Spring is upon us. The balmy weather just around the corner opens up the exciting great outdoors to all kinds of fun things. Strolling the beaches in the spring and summer is always pleasurable. This year B. J. and I hope to roam some new beaches both in the U. S. and abroad.
[Full Story »]
PROGRESS
For 26 years this newspaper has published a Progress Report that presents a wealth of information the general public may not be aware of about our community. First and foremost, let me thank this community for its continued support of this publication. Without your support this special issue would not be possible.
[Full Story »]
Running from tradition
I walked into the church on that Easter Sunday in my yellow seersucker dress that Mama had made for me. My sister wore one just like it and I fumed. First of all, I hated the Easter dress custom because Mama never let me pick out what I wanted. She decided what I would wear, and at the mature age of 8 years, I knew very well that I was plenty old enough to make my own decisions about clothes. She did concede some issues to my better judgment. For example, I tolerated no lace and no ribbons on my dresses—not even one. A sash hung down in the back, but it was plain, not frilly, and besides, I couldn’t see it behind me. And just because the whole world thought females should adorn themselves in pink didn’t mean I would wear that horrid color. I had agreed under duress to the yellow fabric.
[Full Story »]
Blessings by the bushel
The pear and wild plum have bloomed just in time to draw back a nub because as I write this it is supposed to freeze tomorrow. I just smoked my country cured hams. The collards are blooming and I will soon gather their seed and keep them for next year. No, I don’t have to buy all my garden seed. I’ve also got dry peas, rice and honey stored, honey because it never spoils. I heard some honey was found in a tomb somewhere that was hundreds of years old and was still good. I don’t expect to be here another hundred years, so when I go you are welcome to it if you can find it. I guess I was a doomsday prepper long before the television series.
[Full Story »]
“Go for it preacher”
Diane Feine is our able, efficient, slim, trim, and vivacious administrator at St. Marys Magnolia Manor. There is never a dull moment with Diane. Sporting a Master’s Degree in Education and loaded with a world of experience, she keeps Magnolia Manor in tune and humming. Diane sees to it that the place is kept immaculate and that the residents are carefully cared for. Nevertheless, Diane has a keen sense of humor and loves to pick on her Chaplain--that’s your’s truly.
[Full Story »]
Congressman Barrow: budget proposals not serious solutions
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to both the Republican and Democrat budget proposals to be voted on this week.
[Full Story »]
Overcome with pets left on Howard Brannen Road
To the Citizens of Appling County,
This letter is in reference to the unwanted pets that are left on our property and road, Howard Brannen Road. As many of you know, the animal shelter is located at the end of Howard Brannen Road. We are continuously having people drop off their unwanted pets on our properties or at the end of the road. We have no control of the animal shelter nor the hours and cannot continue to have unwanted pets left loose. I had someone drop of two puppies and left them in the box of my truck…this is ridiculous! When these unwanted pets are left on Howard Brannen Road, Animal Control will NOT, pick them up, because we are NOT in the city, therefore, we are burdened with unwanted pets. If you do not want your unwanted pets, please contact the Baxley Police Department (Animal Control) so they can guide you on how to have your unwanted pets picked up. All of the residents on Howard Brannen Road will greatly appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
Maria Nunez
This letter is in reference to the unwanted pets that are left on our property and road, Howard Brannen Road. As many of you know, the animal shelter is located at the end of Howard Brannen Road. We are continuously having people drop off their unwanted pets on our properties or at the end of the road. We have no control of the animal shelter nor the hours and cannot continue to have unwanted pets left loose. I had someone drop of two puppies and left them in the box of my truck…this is ridiculous! When these unwanted pets are left on Howard Brannen Road, Animal Control will NOT, pick them up, because we are NOT in the city, therefore, we are burdened with unwanted pets. If you do not want your unwanted pets, please contact the Baxley Police Department (Animal Control) so they can guide you on how to have your unwanted pets picked up. All of the residents on Howard Brannen Road will greatly appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
Maria Nunez
Responds to Grand Jury findings
Dear Editor,
It was with great interest that I read your January 23 report on the Grand Jury’s finding in the shooting death of Cpl James M. Dixon III. After thinking about this case for more than a year, I agree with the Grand Jury, and presumably, the GBI findings. Simply stated, James was holding a gun. He would not, or more likely could not surrender his gun so the use of deadly force was justified. Note, however, that the term “justified” is not synonymous with “necessary” or “morally correct” or “humane.” There are still many unanswered questions in this case. Among them are: Did the sheriff determine that his entire department was incompetent to handle one man armed with a shotgun? Did the sheriff have any non-lethal systems at his disposal? Why, after talking to James face to face, did the sheriff walk away and turn him over to SWAT? Did James threaten to harm anyone? If it had been the sheriff’s child instead of James, would he have walked away? I understand that the snipers are trained to shoot only to kill: is their policy “Surrender or die”? [Full Story »]
It was with great interest that I read your January 23 report on the Grand Jury’s finding in the shooting death of Cpl James M. Dixon III. After thinking about this case for more than a year, I agree with the Grand Jury, and presumably, the GBI findings. Simply stated, James was holding a gun. He would not, or more likely could not surrender his gun so the use of deadly force was justified. Note, however, that the term “justified” is not synonymous with “necessary” or “morally correct” or “humane.” There are still many unanswered questions in this case. Among them are: Did the sheriff determine that his entire department was incompetent to handle one man armed with a shotgun? Did the sheriff have any non-lethal systems at his disposal? Why, after talking to James face to face, did the sheriff walk away and turn him over to SWAT? Did James threaten to harm anyone? If it had been the sheriff’s child instead of James, would he have walked away? I understand that the snipers are trained to shoot only to kill: is their policy “Surrender or die”? [Full Story »]
Sunshine Week
Last week was known as Sunshine Week across our great land. What exactly is Sunshine Week? Sunshine Week is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know. Sunshine Week seeks to enlighten and empower people to play an active role in their government at all levels, and to give them access to information that makes their lives better and their communities stronger.
[Full Story »]
National safety amid budget cuts
Over the last few months, talks of budget cuts in general and Sequestration in particular have filled the news. I agree with many of the cuts. I’m opposed to waste in government since it involves our tax dollars. Even some of the proposed military cuts are logical. For example, the grounding of the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds is a reasonable cut and won’t do much harm. I enjoy watching their shows, but will not be harmed in any way if I never see another one. Other cuts, however, could very well threaten military readiness. The Defense Department predicts that the slashing of ship and aircraft maintenance and the curtailing of training will occur with the currently proposed budget cuts.
[Full Story »]
Vacation time
Vacation time is just around the corner. Are you planning a great vacation this year? Vacations are the icings on our cakes; they are what dreams are made of. Travel and vacation time have been in our plans and budget since the day B. J. and I said, “I do.” Travel and the bonding it has brought has enhanced our lives more than words can express.
[Full Story »]
Comments