Virtue
Simply put, virtue is moral excellence. Those characteristics that one holds most dear, perhaps in an idealized form or an unattainable goal, are virtues. They are moral targets for which we aim. And they’ve been cataloged since at least the days of Plato! Prudence, Justice, Temperance (or “restraint”) and Fortitude are the classical, or Cardinal, […]
Children’s Easter Pets
Every Easter, children want baby rabbits or baby chicks. Yes or no? Before you hop down the rabbit trail, or purchase a baby chick, there are a few things you should know. Two rabbits are cute, but ten rabbits are a nightmare. So, buy just one, or only rabbits of one sex. If you want […]
Egg Hunting
What’s Easter without an egg hunt? When I was young, my church had an Easter egg hunt the Saturday before Easter. We boiled and colored dozens of eggs the night before. The next day, we went to the church to hide the eggs. We sat on the floor so we couldn’t peak out the windows, […]
Billy Bob For Pope
The recent election of the Pope got me thinking. What if papal elections were like southern politics? There would be signs in every yard: “Billy Bob for Pope.” Now, of course Billy Bob would have to select a papal name if he won the election. He’d select something appropriate to his roots, perhaps Pope Elvis. […]
Easter Egg Safety
My children are anxiously awaiting coloring Easter eggs. We will go on an egg hunt on Saturday and another on Sunday. The kids are always wanting to eat the eggs that they dye and I was wondering if it is safe for them to eat the eggs after the hunts? According to the USDA, eggs […]
Stephenie Meyer’s: The Host
With the film adaptation being released this Friday, I figured it was time to review Stephenie Meyer’s The Host. The Host is a teen sci-fi/romance novel that is often compared to Meyer’s other famous/infamous (depending on who you ask) series, Twilight. There are certainly some similarities. The story revolves around the fate of a young […]
Stranger Than Fiction: The Bandit That Wouldn’t Give Up
It was a typical afternoon on December 7, 1976 in Hollywood, California. At a nearby television studio a production crew was preparing the set to film an episode of the hugely popular TV series, “The Six Million-Dollar Man.” This particular scene was set to take place at an amusement park. The crew worked to set […]
Chris Kyle’s: American Sniper
After looking over some past reviews of mine, I have concluded I don’t review enough nonfiction. This time, I am taking a look at Chris Kyle’s American Sniper. This book details the exploits and experiences of Chris Kyle, the record-holding U.S. Marine sniper with over 150 confirmed kills in Iraq, effectively making Kyle the deadliest […]
To Toss, or Not to Toss – Paper and Small Advertising Items
When cleaning out an estate or attic or simply doing Spring Cleaning, it can be difficult to know what is junk and what has some value. Shop owners who deal in antiques and collectibles often overhear a conversation that sounds something like this Loved One #1: “Honey, honey look at this. Grandmother had one of these, […]
Spring Break
Spring break is here! Carson Newman University’s break begins Monday, followed by UT on March 23, as well as Jefferson County Schools beginning the same date. Do you remember the “good ole days” when spring break meant Florida, specifically Fort Lauderdale. I think Florida is still a destination, along with Europe. Have you seen the […]
Just Who Do You Think You Are, Anyway?
We know more about deep space than we know about ourselves. I don’t know where I first heard this concept, but the speaker went on to prove the point. “Who among us can pass by our reflection in the glass without looking at it and wondering: who is that person looking back at me?” At […]
Farm Safety
How do you stop a pig when it attacks? You give it a pork chop, of course. Now this type of wisdom might escape the average person’s consideration, but in light of my daughter’s recent Safety Day field trip, I have decided to share a few basic observations. First, it occurs to me that someone […]
Hats, Now and Then
Hello darlings. I love hats!!!! Hats have been a crowning glory for women through out history. In fact one may date history by simply looking at the style of hats. Headwear for women began in earnest during the Middle Ages when the church decreed that their hair had to be covered. Wonder why…? During the […]
Wasps Are Back
After only a few warm days, I have noticed that the wasps are hanging around. I live in a brick home and we had a lot of trouble with wasps last year. I would love any suggestions for deterring them. We are hoping that if we start early enough we might keep from being overrun […]
Douglas Adams: The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
It has been far too long since I have found a truly hilarious book. Thankfully, Douglas Adams has come through for me with The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Yes, I am ashamed I haven’t read this until now. I can say without a doubt that this book is one of the funniest I […]
The Adventures of… Duck Tape
The miracles of modern science and technology never cease to amaze me. I remember when cell phones were the size of small dogs, and now they not only easily slide into a tight pair of jeans, but talk to you while they are there. I’m always afraid it’s going to tell me my jeans are […]
