-
The dark underbelly of a potential Alzheimer’s drug
According to the Vancouver Sun, researchers at Baylor University may have good news for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative mental illnesses. They’ve isolated a gene in mice that works to give them “super memories.”
The scientists knew they were onto something when the mice began to solve memory problems on their first try, instead of taking days like the control group. Unfortunately, one mouse was overheard whispering, “We gotta slow this down. Somebody call cousin Mickey and see how we can UNIONIZE.” -
Another year gone
Another year older, but not necessarily another year wiser.
I always look forward to Christmas (at least the lights, decorations, music and of course, food), but by the time it gets here, I’m also ready for the holiday to be over. Usually every year, there is some drama or conflict within either my family or Gary’s (or both), and it can put a damper on the holiday. I have wondered more than once why we even bother getting everyone together if someone is going to complain, but maybe the drama is as much of the tradition as the tree, dinner and presents. -
From the House of Representatives
Every holiday season, countless Arkansans depend upon the kindness of strangers. From the children whose names appear on the Salvation Army Angel Tree to the gentleman at a nursing home who can’t make it home this year. No matter where you live, there is an opportunity to volunteer.
-
State Capitol Week in Review
The highlight of state government news for 2011 came when the Arkansas Legislature lowered state tax rates by $35 million a year.
The tax cut package includes tax relief for consumers in Act 755, which lowers the sales tax on groceries by half a cent, cutting state revenue by $20 million a year. -
Why we fight the war on Christmas
Is Christmas a Christian holiday?
Every year some fight to keep Christ in Christmas, and others fight to keep Christmas off public property. Christmas has become a season to fight the so-called war on Christmas.
To the politically correct among us, Christmas is no longer just Christmas. Hanukah is older than Christmas, and I don’t know anyone who’s against celebrating Hanukah.
But we also have Kwanza and Festivus and something called a flying spaghetti monster. Frankly, I don’t know anyone who’s against celebrating any of these holidays either. -
Finding strength from John 3:16 carolers
I am really trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but no luck. Everything has changed since losing Mom. Holidays were always at her house. Dinner was served at noon and if you weren’t there — we started without you.
On Thanksgiving and Christmas when we were kids, Mom would starve us until lunch. We were barely allowed in the kitchen. She wanted to make sure us kids ate good at the feast she was preparing. It was torture to have to sit and smell all the good food, knowing we had to wait. We would sneak a bite here and there when she wasn’t looking. -
A star is born
During this time of year my family is often asked to do Christmas programs for different groups. Sometimes we will be asked to do a program for the nursing home, other times we might be asked to prepare a few numbers for a community dinner.
Since I am much more limited in talent than my wife and my children, I am usually the master of ceremonies. I tell the regular jokes that no one laughs at and stories that put people to sleep. The rest of my family enhance the season with music. -
Welcome home
Surrounded by the protection of barbed wire fences and cement barricades, the United States Forces — Iraq flag was furled for the last time during an unpretentious ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq on Dec. 15, 2011.
It has been a long nine years. At the war’s onset in 2003, troops were promised the only way to return home was through Baghdad. Nine years, two administrations, and multiple tours later, with mission finally accomplished, troops are headed home to celebrate Christmas. -
Nuns make good teachers
Boy, did New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg get himself into a heap of trouble with educators.
While speaking to students at MIT, he said that “in his ideal world he would fire half the city’s teachers and pay those remaining twice as much to teach classes double the current size,” reports The New York Times.
He also said that when he was a kid, classrooms were packed and he and others in his generation did just fine — the idea being that good, committed teachers can handle larger class sizes.
He’s older than I am, but I had the same experience. I was taught by nuns. -
Ron Paul, Tim Tebow and the Iowa Caucus
The first act of the Republican primary ended last Thursday not with a bang but with a Tim Tebow reference. The most influential pre-primary debates ever concluded in Sioux City to boffo ratings on TV but negative ratings for the candidates, leaving Iowa Republicans with the possibility of a Christmas miracle: These guys might actually let Ron Paul win.
-
How to enjoy business travel when you’d rather be home
Traveling for business sounds glamorous. Until you have to do it.
During the last 4 weeks, I’ve traveled to California twice and made trips to New Jersey, New York, and Bermuda.
I wasn’t sunning myself on a beach or taking in Broadway shows. I was working. I love my job. I do keynotes and consulting projects for sales organizations. The working part is great, but the travel can be challenging.
After many years of less than optimal experiences, I came up with 6 Best Practices to make business travel more enjoyable.
1. Make decisions in advance -
Disparity in fire protection
Dear editor:
I am writing in response to the letter of Ms. Brenda Sandage in the December 13, 2011 issue of the Batesville Daily Guard. Ms. Sandage is 100% correct in her view that new taxes should be spent on essential services.
There is currently a great disparity in the levels of fire protection provided to property owners within Batesville and those in other areas of our county. However, it costs just as much to put out a house fire in the most remote areas of our county as it does in Batesville.
