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Many singers have died in plane crashes
I was listening to music recently and during that session realized that a couple of the singers I had just heard had both died in terrible plane crashes. It got me thinking how many musicians and singer-songwriters have perished in that way. Patsy Cline was one of the earliest female country music singers who made…
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Do you compliment your mate?
Where do you hear a compliment? Dolly Parton said her husband was receiving a number of compliments from a woman at their local bank. She subsequently wrote the song titled “Jolene.” In the song she penned these words, “Jolene, please don’t take my man just because you can.” I do not believe for a minute…
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The Mic and the Mirror
They gather in chambers with polished intent, With smiles rehearsed and their posture unbent. One eye on the vote, the other on rent, For space on the screen, for a headline well-spent. They whisper in corners, they shout on the floor— Each word is a weapon, each phrase a decor. Not truth, but attention, their…
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Sometimes it is the simple things
It can be the simple things in life that make you happy. Like stringing green beans. I have a small backyard garden and part of what I planted was some half-runner green beans along a short fence line. Last week, I picked our second mess for me and my wife Vicki. As we watched television…
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Walking on the road
Walking on the road is generally allowed if there is no sidewalk available. However, some specific roads like highways or interstates usually prohibit pedestrian traffic. Walking on roads for exercise can be safe if you walk facing traffic. Stay as far to the left as possible. Wear bright or reflective clothing. Be constantly aware of…
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One more time, more one-hit wonders
When I wrote my first column about “one-hit wonders,” I began researching online to look up some songs. The first two articles were well received, especially on social media. I had forgotten just how many of these types of songs and artists there were. So, one more time, here are a few more “one-hit wonders”…
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Do it while you can
Do it while you can; do it while you feel like it. The chances of you doing something now are greater than they will be 10 years from now. First, you may not be here 10 years from now. If there is a career change you want to make then make it as soon as…
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Working is no guarantee you’ll have health insurance. Just ask Kentucky legislators.
by Jamie Lucke Kentucky Lantern July 23, 2025 FRANKFORT — Kentucky elects 138 people to serve in the state legislature, and 98 of them get their health insurance through the state-sponsored plan for public employees. Kentucky lawmakers also enroll 138 dependents in the state employees’ health plan. I bring this up not because I begrudge…
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Legislative Update: Session Results—Appropriations and Revenue, Part 1
BY REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY MCCOOL The Appropriations and Revenue Committee is one of the most influential committees in the legislature because it oversees how state funds are raised and spent. Every budget, tax policy, and major financial decision must pass through this committee, making it central to setting the state’s priorities and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Its…
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Come home to Inez for the Appalachian Artist Festival
On Saturday, Aug. 2, the heart of Martin County will beat a little louder. Downtown Inez will fill with music, color, conversation and community as the Appalachian Artist Festival transforms Court Street into a celebration of everything that makes our region special. To our neighbors near and far, we issue this invitation: Come home. Whether…






