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Teachers are underappreciated
School has already started in Kentucky and will begin in a few days in West Virginia and other states. There is no doubt that teachers are underappreciated and underpaid. On a daily basis, they not only educate our children and grandchildren but also influence them in so many ways. If you think about it, they…
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The upcoming presidential election is so important
My dad always said not to get into a discussion about politics or religion – that it would usually cause arguments with friends or even family members. Those were wise words but I just cannot keep my mouth shut about this year’s presidential election. Kamala Harris is just too left-wing and liberal for the United…
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The meanings of some old sayings
I still use some of the old sayings from time to time. After all, if you grew up in this region, your parents or grandparents likely used a lot of these. “Burning the midnight oil” simply means working late into the night. Before the days of electricity, kerosene oil lamps were used to light a…
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JD Vance has eastern Kentucky roots
James David “JD” Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, has eastern Kentucky connections. Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, but he was raised by his mamaw (grandmother for those of you reading this who are not from our region). His parents divorced when he was a toddler. His ancestors are from Kentucky and Appalachia.…
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Did the U.S. really go to the moon?
For many years there have been many conspiracy theorists who claim that the United States did not really land on the moon or have the first astronauts to set foot on the lunar surface. If you believe that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first astronauts to land on the moon on July 20,…
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Changes I think we need in America
After watching the recent debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, it was obvious we need to have our presidential candidates complete a cognitive test. Cognitive tests are short, quick tests to check how well your brain is functioning. These test results should be made public to the voters so they can be informed and…
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Appalachian phrases and words that you may still use
People who live in the heart of the Appalachia region, which spreads across the mountains of West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia, and into parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee, can easily be identified by their dialect. It still amazes me that when we travel away from the area, people can guess…
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Trying to stay cool during the hot days of summer
It looks like the temperatures have gotten very hot the last few days as we officially start summer. We have actually had some mild weather before this heat wave began. I have always liked summer, especially when I was younger and more active. But now that I have gotten older, it is tougher to take…
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Remembering West Virginia legend Jerry West
Jerry West, perhaps the most famous person and athlete ever from the state of West Virginia, passed away last week at the age of 86. A native of rural Kanawha County and hailing from Cheylan, he led East Bank High School to a state title back in 1956. West is the most decorated athlete ever…
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Remembering my dad for Father’s Day
As I pondered what topic to write my column on this week, I asked my wife Vicki for her input. She reminded me that Father’s Day was coming up. Bingo! I love being a father to three and a grandfather (Pawpaw) to five young ladies. That is one of the most important things I’ve done…
