Every once in awhile I like to get up on the proverbial soapbox and preach against or for some of the things that are going on around me. I don't expect to change anything all that much, but maybe someday when I have something to say, someone who has the say-so at changing things will pay attention and do something. ...more

March 26, 2009

We live in a world filled with scandal and corruption, at least that's what some people believe. And some folks make the same claims right here in Highlands County. In fact, they thrive on making such claims and insinuations. Sometimes there is a hint of truth in what they say, but mostly it's blatantly untrue. The damage, however, is real whether it's true or not, and it's up to all of us to keep the conspiracy seekers at arm's length. ...more

March 25, 2009

How ironic that Gabriel Read takes Republicans and conservatives to task for having the audacity to criticize President Obama. ...more

March 5, 2009

Considering my chosen profession, it should come as no surprise that I spend a lot of time reading newspapers. I might even spend a little too much time doing so. Lately, it's becoming more and more difficult for me to scan the headlines and the big stories of the day without feeling my blood pressure rise. As each day goes by, it seems like the America I was born into and grew to dearly love is slipping away. ...more

March 4, 2009

All Tim Beckham could do was sit back and take it. One day last week, the youngest Ray was subjected to a carefully choreographed verbal beating from a man who has been handing them out for years, wisecracking Tampa Bay first base coach George Hendrick. ...more

February 23, 2009

Untangling the meltdown of the home loan industry could take years, but a clue lies in the way banks handed money to people like David William Earley. Earley owes more than $377,000 in child support and claimed poverty in court. His ex-wife has been trying to collect for 19 years on behalf of the couple's four children. His current wife said he hasn't worked in years. But none of that got in the way of a $125,000 home loan Earley and his wife Christina obtained in November 2006, or the $189,000 refinancing they secured in June 2007. ...more

February 11, 2009

We grownups are often too busy, too stressed or just too plain tired to remember just how important the power of imagination happens to be. While we might have enjoyed our days of wonder and merriment in playing make believe as children, far too many of us forget this side of ourselves when we reach a certain age. ...more

February 11, 2009

Uh, Lane? Lane Kiffin? I have a simple question: Are you nuts? ...more

February 5, 2009

Parents can hear their child read and speak in class and get a taste of what teachers are doing by listening to podcasts on their personal computer. ...more

November 15, 2008

It looks like the Democratic Party has nominated a socialist as their candidate for president of the United States. Recently Sen. Obama has stated that it is time to "share the wealth." The last time I looked that is a socialist philosophy. If you are not sure find the nearest dictionary and look it up for yourself. Sen. Obama promises a tax cut for 95 percent of households, even though only 62 percent of households pay any income tax now. Taxes would increase sharply for households making more than $250,000 a year, a policy that penalizes success. Profitable small businesses would be hardest hit. Obama even has the audacity to promise a tax break for businesses that create jobs, while simultaneously increasing taxes that would force some businesses to cut payrolls. ...more

October 24, 2008