Columns
RANDOM THOUGHTS: This and that
Last week I received an e-mail from Loreda Davis, a 1953 graduate of CCHS. In the April 2 "Random Thoughts" column about Miss Nettie’s preservation, I gave a brief history of the high schools in the county using an article from past Chronicle newspapers. That story listed Pleasant Hill, Homestead and Crossville and then added the words “which was often called CCHS.” Mrs. Davis wanted to set the record straight because her diploma reads Cumberland County High School. The clarification is appreciated and I thank Loreda for her interest.
I am pleased to set the record straight on the April 16 chess column. New York Times reporter Dylan McClain sent an e-mail pointing out I had not credited his newspaper for their reporting that the state of Idaho is now including chess as part of their curriculum for second and third graders. That was a slip on my part because I did give proper credit to a number of other publications in that column. Belatedly, it was the New York Times News Service story that inspired the chess column.
I replied to him and apologized but I told him it was a real thrill to receive the e-mail from the New York Times.
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After surviving March Madness we geared up for Masters Golf Tournament. Once again a Tennessean kept us on edge. Brandt Snedeker played fine golf until the final day. I have a feeling we will see more of him in the future.
The day after the Masters ended, the Chattanooga paper reported that another Tennessee favorite had made its first appearance at the links. Mini-MoonPies all packaged in a special Masters wrapper were sold to spectators needing a snack. Officials ordered 35,000 but following the practice round 25,000 more were ordered because they were about to sell out. The Chattanooga Bakery expects the order will be doubled for next year.
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Is change good or bad? A change is taking place at California’s Disneyland according to the LA Times. The target is that favorite attraction ‘Small World.’ Since 1966 visitors taking that ride have left singing “It’s a small, small world.” Mary Blair, the artist and designer of the attraction, planned it to show children of the world in their country’s costumes, hoping visitors would experience that it is indeed a small world.
Now the original theme is being changed by Disney and familiar Disney characters will replace children. Mickey and Minnie are notable exceptions. Blair’s family is furious and say the ride should be left alone. Disney says the original intent and celebration of children will be retained and strengthened. A sour note has appeared in ‘It’s a small, small world.’
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My grandparents had a huge upright piano in their sitting room which was a room used only for special occasions. What fun it was when I was allowed to enter that room and sit at the piano. I became a professional musician at those times because it was a player piano.
Now Yamaha has revived those memories with a new player piano in a sleek, small grand piano style. Just put in the software and enjoy.
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GARY'S WORLD: Thank our veterans this weekend
A tremendous opportunity presents itself in our community this weekend — an opportunity to honor those who served in the Vietnam War. Personally, after attending last year's first Welcome Home celebration, I wouldn't want to miss this. It was an emotional event for both Vietnam veterans and ordinary citizens. It was a great way to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day in Tennessee, March 29.
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RANDOM THOUGHTS: "Antiques Roadshow" comes to Tennessee
If you are one of the 10 million who watch each episode of the “Antiques Roadshow” mark your calendar. The three upcoming Mondays, March 30, April 6 and April 13, were all taped in Chattanooga last July.
- LION AND THE LAMB: An open letter to Sharon Baier I was happy to read your well-written article, printed in last week's Chronicle. It makes a strong case, in the story of Al and Jennifer, that "To make money, you have to spend money." That misguided couple thought that they ought to cut down on their purchase of supplies, to save money. They did so, week after week, until they lost their business.
- WE THE PEOPLE: Veterans storm the Hill When young men and women risk their lives and sacrifice both physical and mental health for their country, a grateful country should at least provide them with shelter, food, and health care. But there is a lot of hypocrisy between what some windbag says on Veterans Day and what the country actually does for veterans.
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THEREFORE I AM: Kids stress out parents? Well, duh!
This just in: According to an expert, children can add stress and strain to a marriage. In other news, further expert studies have indicated that the sky is in fact blue, Paris Hilton is a tad spoiled, peanut butter and chocolate taste great together, and the Middle East has issues. Thank goodness we have experts to tell us these things.
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INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT: With shekels come shackles
When President Obama launched his faith-based initiative at the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5, he promised not only to sustain the Bush administration’s signature domestic program — but to expand it.
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THEREFORE I AM: Jim Croce and I will keep you safe and sound
My philosophy of life is simple: When in doubt, follow the advice of a dead folk-rock star. I always found Jim Croce to be particularly handy in this capacity. Don’t tug on Superman’s cape. Don’t spit into the wind. Don’t pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger, and regardless of how badly you may want to, do not, under any circumstances, mess around with Jim.
- STUMPTALK: Stimulating a war on prosperity and freedom Near Bush’s sunset, Treasury Secretary Paulson and Fed chairman Bernanke terrified the nation with “the sky’s falling and America is doomed” unless the government steps in with new regulations, institutional takeovers and massive lending.
- WE THE PEOPLE: Thoughts on bringing a recession to heel Responding to the recent full-throated baying of conservative “economic watchdogs,” I slogged into the swamp of their icon Adam Smith’s murky tome, “The Wealth of Nations,” to see if they had finally treed anything of value.
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LION AND THE LAMB: Reality
Dim blue of early morning shines into the living room
while you flip through television channels. - More Columns Headlines
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