tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19938001893379034782011-11-01T14:23:04.109-05:00Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-67770417076933680092011-01-26T12:36:00.002-06:002011-01-26T12:45:13.155-06:00

It's been no secret that this blog has been on life support for a couple of months. Actually, it's never really been much of a blog, but merely a repository for my weekly newspaper column.Well, we're officially shutting down. Thanks to a new-fangled website at the Courier News, readers can now access my columns over at that site. The link is here.So there's not much point in keeping this blog

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-92100922740266052982010-09-22T11:51:00.001-05:002010-09-22T11:54:04.313-05:00

This is the time of the year when, if you complain about there being nothing to do in Blytheville, you're just not paying attention.Indeed, for the next several weekends, the community events are lined up, ripe for the picking for anyone who wants to take advantage of what their community has to offer.A few of the highlights: THIS WEEKEND — "The Velveteen Rabbit," will be performed at 7 p.m. this

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-61265576776976855282010-09-15T13:43:00.001-05:002010-09-15T13:44:26.143-05:00

It was about 18 months ago that I signed up for my first 5K run.I called it "throwing my hat over the wall" — a metaphor for committing to doing something, the notion being that once you've thrown your hat over the wall, you have no choice but to climb over and get it.I remember the nervousness I felt as race day approached — days of both excitement and anticipation, as well as fear and anxiety.

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-6690429391599065172010-09-02T08:23:00.002-05:002010-09-02T08:26:18.922-05:00

For anyone who has been paying attention to the rumor mill for the past few months, it shouldn't come as any surprise that outgoing Blytheville Mayor Barrett Harrison was selected to replace the retiring Joe Gurley as director of the Blytheville/Gosnell Regional Airport Authority.What was somewhat surprising, however, was that the vote was so close.Harrison was tabbed to take over the Aeroplex

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-49734169332783919962010-08-25T08:52:00.002-05:002010-08-25T08:53:01.826-05:00

Our family had an eventful first day of school this year, though it really had nothing to do with the kids. Or the school.We had already taken our ceremonial "first day of school picture" — we take it in front of the same bush every year — and were just waiting for the school bus to arrive. I decided to sit while I waited on our front porch swing.Unfortunately, I failed to remember that for

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-8724067962141967112010-08-18T10:55:00.001-05:002010-08-18T10:56:41.977-05:00

Something a bit melancholy transpired last Friday night, though for all but the most astute of observers, it probably went unnoticed.It was last Friday when, for the first time in months, the evening sun set prior to 8 p.m., gently dropping below the horizon at 7:59.It may have been but a minor incident; yet it served as a reminder that the certainties of the calendar year are still in effect;

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-65554974008091424712010-08-11T12:35:00.002-05:002010-08-11T12:39:01.002-05:00

Believe it or not, I really do know how to spell "hospital."Of course, if you read Thursday's Courier News, you might think otherwise. After all, that's where you would find — on Page 1, mind you ... in large, bold type, no less — the word "hosptial" where the word "hospital" should have been.Sigh.I like to think of myself as a reasonably intelligent person. But when you make mistakes like that,

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-69803554164490355862010-08-04T09:59:00.001-05:002010-08-04T10:00:31.828-05:00

When it comes to the economic development sales tax — on the ballot next Tuesday in Mississippi County — I admit I have been on the fence.On one hand, I can plainly see the success of the tax, in the way of the roughly 3,000 jobs that have been created since its inception seven years ago. Besides that, I'm a strong believer in the aggressive and continuous pursuit of economic development

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-12570942948172573762010-07-29T13:34:00.001-05:002010-07-29T13:35:31.861-05:00

The latest addition to our family's entertainment options arrived Sunday afternoon in the way of the Wii Fit Plus. My wife, Jena, made the purchase, as part of a birthday present for herself and the rest of the family.So far, it's been a hit. The kids love all the balancing games, from the snowboarding to the ski-jumping to the soccer ball heading. Jena is looking forward to some of the many yoga

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-74885481776868718132010-07-21T09:38:00.007-05:002010-07-21T09:53:47.178-05:00

I never got to go to Disney World as a little kid.There's no doubt I wanted to go. I'd see the commercials on TV, or see images from the theme parks Sunday nights on the old "Wonderful World of Disney" television show.And though my family took many nice vacations — to places like the lakes of Minnesota, the Black Hills of South Dakota and the skyscrapers of Chicago — Disney World was never in the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-28815994028981464682010-07-07T07:50:00.002-05:002010-07-07T07:53:18.533-05:00

With the Fourth of July now behind us, we enter the longest holiday drought of the year. From early July until early September, there are no major holidays on the calendar.I've always found it odd that August is the one month of the year without a holiday. It almost seems unfair. January has New Year's and MLK Jr. Day; February has Valentine's; March has St. Patrick's Day; April has Easter; May

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-49499855565880554102010-06-30T14:05:00.001-05:002010-06-30T14:07:39.250-05:00

In retrospect, perhaps last Saturday wasn't the best day to set out to run 6.2 miles through a hilly neighborhood in Bartlett, Tenn.But that's the day that was scheduled for the UPS Ultimate 10K run, so that's where I was Saturday morning, along with 290 other foolhardy souls.Overall, it went well. I finished, which was my one and only real goal for the race. Since I've started doing some running

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-51557652811815850822010-06-28T14:33:00.001-05:002010-06-28T14:34:55.287-05:00

Upon returning from an air show in Cape Girardeau, Mo., over the weekend, my brother-in-law, Tony, commented on the experience via a Facebook posting."Went to the air show for a little bit and now I can't stop quoting 'Top Gun' for some reason," he wrote.Well, given an opening like that, I was more than happy to oblige."Your ego's writing checks your body can't cash," I retorted in the comments

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-21193527492558269522010-06-28T14:31:00.002-05:002010-06-28T14:39:57.741-05:00

With filing coming up in a couple of months for the local municipal elections, and with open races anticipated for the Blytheville and Gosnell mayoral positions, it's worth a look at the type of qualities needed in the ideal mayor.In the coming weeks, topics such as road conditions, police protection, job creation, grant applications and recreational facilities are sure to dominate the discussion

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-83418738128936003192010-06-28T14:29:00.002-05:002010-06-28T14:31:37.146-05:00

When it comes to the county's half-cent sales tax for economic development — slated to go before voters for renewal on Aug. 10 — there are two absolute certainties.First, the tax has been a huge success at creating new jobs in Mississippi County. From Roll Coater, to Aviation Repair Technologies, to Lowe's, to Beckmann Volmer, there are thousands of jobs available in Mississippi County that can

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-60939980908068339102010-06-28T14:27:00.001-05:002010-06-28T14:28:58.350-05:00

The buzz in the national media this political season has been all about the "anti-incumbent" or "anti-establishment" mood among American voters.Looking at the results of last month's Preferential Primary Election, it looks like that mood is alive and well in Mississippi County.Among the three most high-profile races — county judge, State Senate and sheriff — there wasn't an incumbent in the field

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-76293067133287579982010-06-28T14:25:00.001-05:002010-06-28T14:27:29.532-05:00

It seems that I've been a bit lax in updating this blog of late.I will remedy this with a torrent of new postings.

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-78063840331711358182010-05-19T12:52:00.000-05:002010-05-19T12:53:37.215-05:00

I received a phone call from a reader last week, complaining about local young people who apparently were walking in the middle of the street with their baggy pants hanging around their midsections.Though I'm not sure that a few kids looking like fools with their pants on the ground is a particularly major news story, I generally share the sentiment of the caller. It looks stupid. And when

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-21427342395178800732010-05-06T11:52:00.000-05:002010-05-06T11:53:07.202-05:00

With early voting for the May 18 primary now under way, it's time to get serious about choosing the candidates we plan to vote for.I plan to take advantage of early voting this year, though in the past I've been a fan of the ritual of voting on the actual day of the election. But the simple fact is that it's far more convenient for me to run over to the Moore Center on Chickasawba to vote early

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-9079782323889502072010-04-21T14:46:00.000-05:002010-04-21T14:47:45.599-05:00

If the Blytheville Baseball/Softball Boosters really want to make some money, they ought to consider putting up some small cabanas or villas around the lakes near the Sportsplex.I know I'd be interested in buying one. After all, the way it looks, I'll pretty much be living out at the Sportsplex until late June.With 7-year-old Drew playing Rookie League baseball, and 10-year-old Katie playing 10-

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-27364365287208703472010-03-25T12:37:00.002-05:002010-03-25T12:40:41.219-05:00

With Carol White’s entrance into the Blytheville mayoral race last Friday, it’s safe to say that what was already an interesting political year just got a lot more interesting.To date, White is the only announced candidate for the position, expected to be vacated by Barrett Harrison, who is running for the Arkansas State Senate. Current Mississippi County Sheriff James Sanders, a former

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-89579484359087826772010-03-17T16:09:00.001-05:002010-03-17T16:11:05.526-05:00

What year is it?That's easy, you say. It's 2010.Indeed it is. But how did you say that year? Did you say, "twenty-ten," or did you say, "Two thousand and ten"?I hope you said "twenty-ten," as I'm a firm believer that it's time we move past this "two thousand" nonsense that has thus far dominated the new millennium.That's been one of my biggest pet peeves about the dawn of the 21st century. For

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-75664677256779634262010-03-03T14:04:00.001-06:002010-03-03T14:05:22.164-06:00

Is it too early to sound the all-clear on winter 2010?Probably. March is a volatile month, even here in the mid-South. And there’s a decent chance that Old Man Winter will rear his ugly head at least one more time before he fades into an unpleasant memory.All the same, it’s a safe bet that the worst of winter is behind us. While the first official day of spring is still 17 days away,

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-73648588160528928532010-02-17T15:02:00.002-06:002010-02-17T15:05:14.825-06:00

I enjoy watching the Olympics.Aside from taking a sudden interest in sports I was otherwise unaware of before — like "short-track speed skating" and "moguls" — one of my favorite parts of any Olympic Games is the opening ceremony.Host cities usually use the opening ceremony to shine a spotlight on local and national heritage and culture. Beijing did this with great success during the 2008 Summer

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-18514976885396803832010-01-22T11:52:00.001-06:002010-01-22T11:54:06.840-06:00

Trips to the video rental store used to be a lot more fun.Back in the day, a trip to the video store produced what seemed to be a bottomless pit of entertainment opportunities. From laugh-out-loud comedies, to high-flying sci-fis, to poignant dramas, to edge-of-your-seat action-adventures, there was always something worth a couple of bucks to keep you and your friends entertained in the living

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-50974639510811063572010-01-13T12:35:00.001-06:002010-01-13T12:36:30.808-06:00

If Blytheville Mayor Barrett Harrison and the City Council are looking for ways to shore up the city's budget for 2010, they might turn their attention toward KFC.Two Indiana cities did just that, getting $7,500 each to allow the fast-food chain to advertise its new "fiery" chicken wings on its city fire hydrants. As of last week, the company was looking for three more cities to participate in

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-22324944137577360332010-01-07T14:55:00.001-06:002010-01-07T14:56:53.613-06:00

With the dawn of a new decade, there's been a lot of looking back going on — people looking back over the past 10 years and trying to put into terms how the world has changed in the past decade.Having read a number of national "stories of the decade" articles, I started thinking about what local events might be considered in a similar ranking. After all, just last week, the Courier News released

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-12227357088985236662009-12-30T10:13:00.001-06:002009-12-30T10:16:30.319-06:00

One of the most unique — and perhaps meaningful ways to look back on the past year, I've found, is in "status updates.""Status updates" are, of course, the short blurbs posted regularly by users of the Facebook social networking site. Status updates convey anything from what you are doing at that particular moment; to what's going on in your life; to efforts to be witty (usually unsuccessful, in

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-6590466979559774872009-12-23T11:42:00.000-06:002009-12-23T11:43:37.080-06:00

There’s still a day or so left before Santa packs his sleigh for his annual trek around the globe, so I hope I’m not too late in sending out my Christmas wish list.Here goes:I want more Christmas music. Christmas music is one of the most soothing things to listen to, and we’ve only got a couple more days where we can listen to “White Christmas” and “Holly Jolly Christmas” without people looking

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-19049242092066452802009-12-16T13:07:00.001-06:002009-12-16T13:08:50.287-06:00

Next week, I'll celebrate my 38th Christmas.Looking back, I have nothing close to 38 memories of individual holiday seasons. While I have a few specific memories of Christmases past, most of what I have is but a handful of fuzzy Christmas memories — images, emotions and sentiments, most of which can be attributed over a period of years. It certainly doesn't seem like I've been around for almost

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-7330211822593311702009-12-02T11:46:00.001-06:002009-12-02T11:47:47.497-06:00

If you're still looking for the perfect Christmas gift to give this season, I have a pretty good suggestion for you.It's guaranteed to be something that's needed. It's certain to be put to good use by the recipient. And best of all — it won't even cost you a thing.I'm speaking of giving blood.It's never not a good time to donate blood, but during this Christmas season, when we're so often caught

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-66357097308141028452009-11-25T08:58:00.002-06:002009-11-25T08:59:43.569-06:00

As we prepare to give thanks this holiday, there are no doubt a number of things on our minds.We’re sure to give thanks for the things we always do: Family. Friends. Our community. The good things in our lives. And well we should. You can’t put a price tag on good blessings, and it’s a shame we don’t have more than one day a year specifically set aside to give thanks for such things.The focus of

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-79155436730543151842009-10-09T12:41:00.001-05:002009-10-09T12:43:17.831-05:00

In the last couple of years, I guess you could say I've become something of a "runner."That is, to say, I've grown to have an affinity for getting out and putting my legs to good use from time to time.I'm not a great runner, mind you. When compared to what I sometimes refer to as "real runners," I'm quite slow, and not able to go great distances.But I've worked at it, and have reached the point

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-80449994338619112912009-09-30T13:03:00.001-05:002009-09-30T13:04:27.314-05:00

With seats opening up among several of the county's top elected positions, 2010 looks to be a watershed year when it comes to Mississippi County politics.The open seats start at the top, with county judge. Longtime Judge Steve McGuire has announced his plans to retire, creating an open race.And with the death of former Sheriff Leroy Meadows earlier this year, the sheriff's race is also wide open.

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-45622112161524631442009-09-17T08:09:00.002-05:002009-09-17T08:11:58.896-05:00

It's about a month before it's time for the 5K run/walk being held in conjunction with this year's Greater Blytheville Chili Cook-off Oct. 17.If you're one of those folks I've spoken to who have thought about joining in, but haven't signed up yet, or are hesitating for whatever reason, my advice is to throw your hat over the wall and do it."Throwing your hat over the wall" is a phrase used to

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-74867097597555873212009-09-02T14:50:00.002-05:002009-09-02T14:51:05.829-05:00

September is now upon us, and another school year is in full swing. And with that has come the inevitable return of birthday party season.There aren't a whole lot of birthday parties over the summer. I guess it's too hard to adequately distribute invitations without the central distribution point that the elementary school classroom offers.On Sunday, my 7-year-old son Drew was invited to

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-69139680215154781952009-08-27T16:38:00.001-05:002009-08-27T16:39:46.543-05:00

With only a few days left in August, autumn is pretty much looking us right in the face.Usually, autumn is associated with cooler temperatures, and that's more or less true, though around here, it really doesn't get too chilly until November. That means we've got a couple of months here of some pretty nice weather, providing ample opportunity to get outside and get active.Some folks will use that

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-64901151059191521772009-08-14T12:30:00.001-05:002009-08-14T12:31:40.314-05:00

Though the slow bake typical for August in the mid-South continues in full force, the calendar tells a different story. The sand is quickly running through the hourglass, and Summer 2009 is virtually in the record books.As early as this week, kids in Missouri will be heading back to school. Here in Arkansas, the school year won’t be under way until next week, but the verdict is still the same:

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-68379832480765583732009-08-05T08:57:00.004-05:002009-08-05T09:07:34.232-05:00

I remember that May 29 was a beautiful night. School had just gotten out for the year, there was a car race and a baseball tournament in town for the weekend, and summer was at its glorious dawn. I was eating supper at Perkins when the call came. It was my mom. She had not been feeling well for several weeks, and she confirmed family speculation when she told me it was not just a cold or a

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-80804650788048160212009-07-15T13:18:00.002-05:002009-07-15T13:18:58.811-05:00

As a resident of the Armorel area, I took particular interest when I heard of plans by the Blytheville City Council to study the possible annexations of several outlying neighborhoods.The neighborhoods in question are Armorel Estates and Birchwood, both in the Armorel area, as well as Meadow Lawn, located north of Wal-Mart, and Ramblewood, located off of North Franklin.For the record, I don't

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-14900359924405282452009-07-08T13:28:00.001-05:002009-07-08T13:30:23.555-05:00

And so, it begins.Or rather, it ends. Or at least starts to.I'm as big a fan of the Fourth of July as anyone. I love the fireworks, the family gatherings, the cookouts, the parades. But the problem I have with the Fourth of July is that it marks a pivot point. Prior to the Fourth, the summer is in its infancy, with all the freedom and possibility you can imagine. But once the holiday passes, the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-83456957792250614472009-07-01T10:24:00.001-05:002009-07-01T10:26:25.461-05:00

In many ways, a vacation is an educational experience.Sure, vacations are more often billed as chances to relax or have fun. And they often are. But my experience has always been that you can also learn a whole lot when you venture away from home.My family and I returned Sunday from a vacation that took us from the Ouachitas of southwest Arkansas, across the Ozarks of Missouri, to the rolling

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-60311362287756089312009-06-17T12:09:00.002-05:002009-06-17T12:10:08.677-05:00

On the baseball diamond, I am an all-star.In the boxing ring, I am an Olympic champion.On the tennis court, I am unstoppable.In the bowling alley, I am a strike machine.On the links, I am Tiger Woods.And I do it all without even leaving the comfort of my family room.I’m able to do all this via our family’s new Wii gaming system. We broke down and bought a system over the weekend. It was quite the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-25164399432584384632009-06-12T12:01:00.002-05:002009-06-12T12:05:23.662-05:00

As strange as it seems, it is still about 9 days before summer is officially here.Of course, we all know summer is already upon us. School is out, the weather is warm, the mosquitoes are coming out in full force, and cookout season is going full blast. In other words, from a practical standpoint, summer has completely arrived. Though from a technical view, it’s still a few days away.That concept

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-80014797835287028832009-05-28T08:08:00.001-05:002009-05-28T08:09:24.271-05:00

If you know my kids, please do not share the contents of this column with them.My wife, Jena, and I have entered the early discussion period which could ultimately end up in our family acquiring a Wii. Or perhaps a DS. Or maybe two DS’s. Or maybe nothing at all. And therein lies the discussion.The Wii, as well as the DS, are both gaming systems, for those of you not hip on the latest in gaming

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-62571922409942670612009-05-20T12:04:00.002-05:002009-05-20T12:04:54.615-05:00

When it comes to the efforts to put Carol White on the Blytheville City Council, it's time for all involved to push Ctrl-Alt-Delete.White, of course, is the Blytheville/Minnesota resident who was recently appointed to fill the term of James Sanders, who resigned from the Council after being appointed Mississippi County Sheriff. White has been embattled in controversy since the night she was

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-61775123483028548742009-05-13T10:31:00.002-05:002009-05-13T10:38:04.346-05:00

It seems like an appropriate time to take a few moments to talk about some of the changes we’ve had here at the Courier News over the past few weeks, and then some.Perhaps the most notable, at least recently, has been our new look. The redesign debuted April 14, and has generally been received very well.We’d been wanting to launch a redesign for a few years. Like any product, newspapers get a

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-14556923555891316702009-05-05T12:09:00.001-05:002009-05-05T12:11:21.815-05:00

MOUNT MAGAZINE — The Blytheville Courier News received 16 total awards — including first place for General Excellence — at Saturday's annual awards ceremony conducted by the Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors.The ceremony took place during the organization's annual meeting, held at The Lodge at Mount Magazine in Mount Magazine State Park.The Courier News edged out the Searcy Daily Citizen

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-7078649581668630242009-04-29T10:18:00.004-05:002009-04-29T10:24:02.305-05:00

I'm almost embarrassed to have watched any television at all last weekend. It was the first really warm weekend of the year, and I did spend a little time outside, at least enough to get the lawn mowed, play some ball with the kids, and get a nice little sunburn.But it was also a good weekend to watch some TV, especially for anyone who is a fan of sports. There was the NFL draft, covered in

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-37106399985446227822009-04-22T14:04:00.001-05:002009-04-22T14:06:22.859-05:00

Reading the profiles of the seven candidates for the Ward 1 opening on the Blytheville City Council in Sunday’s Courier News provided a sobering glimpse of the tremendous challenge before the council.On Tuesday, the five sitting members of the council will pick one of those seven to serve the remainder of the term of James Sanders, who resigned his seat after being appointed Mississippi County

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-56197218353160533462009-04-20T15:32:00.001-05:002009-04-20T15:33:04.126-05:00

Wednesday is a good day, because it means “Lost” is on. It’s pretty much my favorite show these days.Sure, it’s a bit weird, as far as TV shows go; and it’s probably more sci-fi than I would normally like. And I certainly would pity the poor soul who would start watching the show right now and even try to obtain a remote understanding of what the heck is going on. But it’s must-see TV for my wife

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-76230480607089564582009-04-13T08:06:00.001-05:002009-04-13T08:09:11.357-05:00

Scratch one off the list.A few months ago, I made a list of things I hoped to accomplish this year. It was one-part New Year's resolution, and one-part "ways to not waste the year away." Kind of a carpe-diem, "bucket list" for 2009, if you will.Well, on Sunday, I ran in — and completed — my very first 5K run. And with that, I am on my way toward completing my personal agenda for the year.I've

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-33967917298869462442009-04-06T11:50:00.001-05:002009-04-06T11:51:48.606-05:00

When I was a kid, going anywhere meant piling in the family station wagon.It was the classic family wagon — a '75 Pontiac Catalina, complete with wood paneling on the side. If you remember the beast the Griswolds took across the country in the original “Vacation” movie — that was pretty much our family vehicle.The wagon had three rows of seats, but we usually only used one. My mom and dad would

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-68591824464883638782009-03-25T11:52:00.000-05:002009-03-25T11:54:23.572-05:00

My favorite color is green.With all the heavy topics dominating the world these days, this might seem like a rather mundane topic. And it probably is.But in my house, which is inhabited by a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old, it’s a topic that’s not altogether uncommon. As in, “Dad, what’s your favorite color?” Or, “Dad, what’s your second-favorite color?” Or, “Dad, what’s your favorite animal?” Or, “

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-82447056305556647292009-03-24T14:48:00.001-05:002009-03-24T14:50:20.752-05:00

I was first introduced to something called "Desiderata" when I was in college.What "Desiderata" is, actually, is little difficult to describe. Some say it is a poem; others call it an essay — though neither description is particularly accurate. The Web site Wikipedia refers to it as an "inspirational prose poem," which sounds kind of contradictory to me, though it's probably as good a description

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-45830512447613594162009-03-11T13:13:00.001-05:002009-03-11T13:14:40.204-05:00

For fans of music, this is a good time to live in Blytheville.For the past several weeks, and in the next couple to come, our community has played host to a nice collection of musical events. For those who have or will take part, it’s a reminder that culture can exist in a town like ours. For those who have been missing it, or don’t plan to check it out ... well, we can just hope they change

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-52494006014399492062009-03-09T10:41:00.003-05:002009-03-09T10:44:15.542-05:00

I've gotta hand it to the citizens of Blytheville and the surrounding area: You people are good at making snowmen.I offer the perspective of someone who grew up in eastern Iowa, where winters produce far more opportunities for snowman-making than what occurs around here.You would think that Northerners would be the ones with the wicked snowman skills. After all, they've had much more practice,

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-8467043383432284062009-02-25T11:01:00.001-06:002009-02-25T11:03:57.775-06:00

Home sick with a stomach virus Monday, and apparently somewhat bored, my 9-year-old daughter Katie dug out the old video made the day she was born, and in the days that followed. Laying aside for the moment how unfathomable it is that this tape was made nearly 10 years ago (eek!), it was a nice bit of nostalgia.It’s interesting to me how well we remember the various firsts in our life. Though it

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-12472164479367006552009-02-18T13:42:00.002-06:002009-02-18T13:46:58.053-06:00

Monday was Presidents Day, more or less one of the do-nothing holidays. Save for the handful of American flags flying around town and the various students and federal employees with the day off, the holiday nearly went by without notice.It used to be that we had Washington's birthday, and Lincoln's birthday. But in the name of efficiency, I guess, they've been rolled all into one day, which

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-30357622953643851802009-02-11T09:32:00.001-06:002009-02-11T09:34:24.763-06:00

Anyone familiar with Facebook, or any other social networking Web site, is no doubt familiar with the regularity of invitations to join "causes."There are causes dedicated to fighting childhood illnesses, causes dedicated to political campaigns and even causes dedicated to changing the way Facebook works. I've pretty much ignored most of these causes — not that I don't believe in them; but rather

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-47226090260060145942009-02-04T11:22:00.002-06:002009-02-04T11:27:13.010-06:00

You walk into a room, flip the switch, and the room is instantly bathed in light.You turn on the faucet, maybe wait 10 seconds of so, and soon the hot water warms your skin.You pull into the driveway, push the button by the visor, and like magic, the garage door goes up.You’re a little chilly, so you go to the thermostat in the hallway, and nudge it up a couple of degrees. You hear the furnace

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-43264115708632145712009-01-22T16:36:00.003-06:002009-01-22T16:38:54.503-06:00

If you're a fan of the TV show "Lost," like I am, you might find the following scene from "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" a bit helpful as you tread through the newest season:

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-13255334936341313982009-01-21T15:28:00.001-06:002009-01-21T15:30:00.557-06:00

CBS News has yet to announce when they will air the “60 Minutes” segment that will apparently feature Nucor Steel and Blytheville in some capacity.A crew from the popular news magazine was in town last week to film footage. They spoke with several Nucor officials, as well as some community leaders. They filmed footage at the Chamber of Commerce, and made several trips to the steel mills out by

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-74833244267537896292009-01-21T15:25:00.002-06:002009-01-21T15:28:24.328-06:00

Welcome to the 100th post extravaganza here at The Talker.Since its inception back in late 2007, we have now amassed a whopping 100 posts.Which, really, when you think about it, is pretty pathetic, when it comes to blogs.Oh well. Happy No. 100.

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-47053589266642204552009-01-14T18:33:00.001-06:002009-01-14T18:34:45.451-06:00

It’s nice to be able to see the world through a new set of eyes every once in a while. And that’s what I’ve been doing for the past several weeks. But I have a new grudge against my mother.It’s a long story that starts when I was in grade school, and my older sister, Aimee, got glasses. I can’t remember what prompted the trip to the optometrist, but I remember that both of us got our eyes checked

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-45444374465903138312009-01-08T14:56:00.001-06:002009-01-08T14:57:57.272-06:00

From Saturday's balmy, but windy day; to Monday's light icing; to today's sunny, yet chilly weather, there's been a lot of credence lately to the motto that if you don't like the weather in Arkansas, just wait a couple of days.Personally, I'm ready for warm and sunny. Sure, January may not yet even be a week old, but I've had it with winter. Too cold. Too windy. Too much winter precipitation. And

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-85353358898833069182009-01-03T19:46:00.001-06:002009-01-03T19:47:57.739-06:00

With a new year just about upon us once again, I thought it might be a good time to peek into the old crystal ball, and take a look at what 2009 might have to offer.A few predictions:— I predict that at the first sign of bad news, detractors of soon-to-be-President Barack Obama will herald the news as evidence of his unfitness for office.— I predict that at the first sign of good news, champions

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-55747465714255270662008-12-23T17:14:00.003-06:002008-12-23T17:19:08.334-06:00

No original material in this blog entry. Besides, I can't describe the meaning and magic of Christmas any better than this exchange between Virgnia O'Hanlon and The New York Sun, from 1897:We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:Dear Editor:I am 8

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-37161359890106682902008-12-17T10:43:00.001-06:002008-12-17T10:45:40.675-06:00

When it comes to the Mississippi County Jail and the current controversy over municipal jail fees, there are a couple of things that seem certain.One, the jail will be paid for. There's never been any question about that.Two, it is taxpayers living within Mississippi County who will foot the bill. And that's the way it ought to be,The only question — and the main issue that has sparked

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-76844387004449271592008-12-11T08:04:00.002-06:002008-12-11T08:09:06.794-06:00

Up until nine months or so ago, I had more or less lost contact with everyone I went to high school with.That's one of the casualties of moving two states away from your hometown. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. And there just aren't a whole lot of common denominators between Cedar Rapids and Blytheville, Ark.The sole exception was Scott Drzycimski, with whom I still exchanged a Christmas card

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-68705693098705153812008-11-26T11:27:00.001-06:002008-11-26T11:28:38.981-06:00

This is the time of year when, back in grade school, teachers always used to give us the “write about what you’re thankful for” assignment.I always dutifully completed the assignment, naming things like family, friends and teachers. I was thankful for all those things of course — and still am — yet when I was in elementary school, I don’t think I was old enough to truly understand what it meant

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-4628273875535511732008-11-19T11:26:00.002-06:002008-11-19T11:26:46.707-06:00

The running count on the number of times this month’s presidential election has been referred to as “historic” now stands at 1,658,825,127.All the well, though. It was historic.But how historic was it, really? It will be years before we can really tell for sure. I’m of the mind set that at least 30 years or so have to pass before we can really get a sense of how an event will play out in the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-17036285870458900092008-11-12T15:49:00.002-06:002008-11-12T15:54:09.441-06:00

I'm stealing an all-question column format from BHS Arrow editor Xavier Billingsley this week.Do you think he will mind?Is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery?How long will it be before all the political yard signs are finally taken down?Does anyone else find it interesting that the signs for those who lost elections — both locally and nationally — seem to be the ones being left up

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-86627480215225991312008-11-05T10:20:00.001-06:002008-11-05T10:21:46.987-06:00

I walked into the local Wal-Mart Supercenter over the weekend, and it really came as no surprise that Christmas music was blaring over the loudspeakers.Yes, it had only been a few hours since the last of the trick-or-treaters had wandered off into the night; and yes, it seems odd to be humming "Silent Night" when it's in the mid-70s outside. But if you think this is going to be one of those "

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-80479212980295935632008-11-05T07:44:00.004-06:002008-11-05T07:49:04.739-06:00

Check out this excerpt from last week's edition of The Talker:We’re not the "Red States of America" or the "Blue States of America;" we are the "United States of America."Now check out this excerpt from Barak Obama's acceptance speech Tuesday night:We have never been a collection of red states and blue states: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.I guess we know where Obama's

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-33639830454008292042008-10-30T14:01:00.001-05:002008-10-30T14:02:58.489-05:00

An election prediction: If Barack Obama wins on Tuesday, a week later, U.S. banks will be closed and soldiers will be marching in the streets.Of course, the main reason for this is that exactly one week after Election Day — Nov. 11 — it will be Veterans Day, an annual banking holiday and a day of parades in cities across the country. So my prediction really has very little to do with the election

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-61400453234145138702008-10-22T14:11:00.002-05:002008-10-22T14:16:39.321-05:00

I think we’ve now reached the point in this presidential election when we’re all just pretty much ready for the whole thing to be over. Maybe you know who you’re going to vote for; maybe you don’t. Either way, campaign fatigue has set in, big-time.It’s usually about this time that a lot of folks become more or less fed up with both major candidates. When it comes down to it, for many people,

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-82578128152697125832008-10-16T12:52:00.002-05:002008-10-16T12:56:57.571-05:00

The good news is, gas prices are going down.The bad news is, in Blytheville … not so much.You’ve probably read the news stories. Around the country, gas prices are falling fast, as a combination of economic woes, declining demand and falling crude oil prices kick in at the same time.And — as reported last week in the Courier News — gas prices are coming down in Blytheville, too. Barely. If gas

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-83605472750414584532008-10-08T16:11:00.001-05:002008-10-08T16:13:12.688-05:00

I think it's time for everybody to just take a deep breath. Relax.In with the good air ... out with the bad air.Or perhaps, better yet, we ought to just get one of these crop-dusters flying around to dump a giant dose of Xanax on the whole town ... or maybe the whole country.Is it just me, or is pretty much the whole world just a wee bit edgy these days?It seems like every time I turn around,

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-64821029128663066152008-10-02T13:18:00.001-05:002008-10-02T13:19:54.144-05:00

The Major League Baseball playoffs begin today, and there’s no St. Louis Cardinals to be found anywhere.That pretty much sounds to me like a recipe to forget about baseball altogether, and turn my sights toward the much more worthwhile college and professional football seasons.But before we write off the baseball season completely, perhaps it’s worth taking a look at the teams competing in the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-23986640464385780832008-09-24T13:02:00.003-05:002008-09-24T13:05:56.366-05:00

This is one of my favorite times of year.Sure, part of it is the weather, with the (generally) cooler temperatures, that will soon give way to the clear crisp days of autumn. And part of it is the various rituals associated with this time of year, things like the return to school, the start of college football and the holidays of the season, beginning with Halloween, with Thanksgiving and

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-25323565321038459602008-09-17T14:16:00.002-05:002008-09-17T14:19:27.742-05:00

Is it November yet?Usually, I’m not one to want to hurry along the end of warm weather. But the way I’ve been feeling lately, Nov. 4 can’t get here soon enough.Nov. 4 is, of course, the date of the presidential election. That’s the day we’ll finally know who our next president and vice president will be. And barring another 2000, the petty bickering that has become synonymous with American

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-18887599550272096162008-09-03T14:39:00.001-05:002008-09-03T14:40:27.425-05:00

As I sit here at home Tuesday night, debating whether to watch the Republican National Convention or reruns of “The Office,” I am struck by several thoughts.The first is how wonderful it is to be alive right now. Sure, the political pundits have been beating it into our heads for months, but that fact is, we are witnessing a historic presidential election.When John McCain selected Sarah Palin to

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-53329276629436148312008-08-28T10:00:00.002-05:002008-08-28T10:01:06.208-05:00

The Democratic Convention is on this week, and I really ought to be watching more of it.After all, I’m mildly interested in the upcoming presidential election, and the conventions are when the parties put together the complete package of who their candidate is and what he stands for. Besides that, there’s the whole obligation-as-a-newspaper-editor thing. For some reason, people seem to think

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-29126210992151291182008-08-21T07:25:00.002-05:002008-08-21T07:26:26.882-05:00

When it comes to having the latest gadget on the marketplace, I’m usually a few years behind.For instance, cell phones have been around for a good 15 or so years now, though it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I finally got mine.And it wasn’t until last year that my wife and I finally got a DVR in our home, though the technology has been available since 1999.My latest foray into the world

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-32178583789760629232008-08-13T15:27:00.001-05:002008-08-13T15:29:12.801-05:00

I’ve been watching a lot of the Olympics this week. I don’t think there’s any other sporting event in the world that matches the pageantry and grandeur of the Games.The only problem I’m having this year is trying to figure out who to root for. Sure, I cheer for the Americans. That's obvious. There's nothing like seeing Old Glory rise to the top during the medal ceremony. But other than the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-71303749713631332442008-08-07T10:47:00.002-05:002008-08-07T10:47:59.780-05:00

It's 10:45 a.m. Thursday, and it's actually raining in Blytheville. Quite hard, actually.Take a good look, folks. This may not happen again until October.

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-20184796682852919962008-08-06T13:19:00.001-05:002008-08-06T13:20:41.097-05:00

My first introduction to the Olympic Games was a good one.The year was 1980, and the event was the infamous “Miracle on Ice,” when Team USA upset the mighty Soviets en route to a gold medal in hockey. It was one of the greatest moments in the history of sports, so it’s not surprising I was hooked. I’ve been a fan of the Olympics ever since.But the politics of the day meant there was no Summer

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-23194715568291397232008-07-30T13:42:00.003-05:002008-07-30T13:45:08.337-05:00

I got a phone call from a nice woman a few days ago about Starbucks. Echoing a recent letter to the editor on the same topic, she suggested that the citizens of our community ought to make a show of support for the coffeehouse over the coming weeks, in hopes that corporate muckety-mucks might have a change of heart when it comes to plans to shut the restaurant down, along with about 600 others

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-11542145272477618922008-07-23T13:25:00.001-05:002008-07-23T13:26:40.336-05:00

On March 18, the Blytheville City Council agreed to give $20,000 to the Blytheville YMCA. Soon after, the city of Gosnell followed suit, kicking in $3,000 to the cause.And now, just over four months later, the YMCA of Memphis has announced plans to shut the facility down, closing its doors for good on Aug. 29, having been in operation for less than 11 months. The silver lining — if you can call

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-28159603020837425102008-07-16T16:53:00.001-05:002008-07-16T16:54:36.079-05:00

The big story Tuesday was about General Motors' plan to lay off workers and cut production as part of cost-saving measures necessary to weather the recent downturn in the U.S. automotive market.This comes on the heels of similar moves by other automakers, perhaps most notably Toyota, which recently announced plans to suspend production at its Tundra plant in San Antonio.This news ought to make

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-37060686391249317872008-07-16T16:51:00.001-05:002008-07-16T16:52:49.969-05:00

It's getting pretty hard these days to find a gas station that doesn't require customers to pay before pumping.A couple of years ago, such policies really annoyed me. In fact, I was even known, from time to time, to refuse to buy gas at a station that had such a requirement. I'd get myself in a proper huff, and drive down the road to the next gas station, if I had to.But such policies anger me no

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-10559358554948780852008-07-16T16:49:00.001-05:002008-07-16T16:51:31.293-05:00

My e-mail in-box continues to receive a steady stream of loathing directed at presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama.Frankly, I'm finding it all quite baffling.I mean, I have no problem with anyone who might not prefer Obama as our next president. He's not the most experienced candidate in the world, and some folks might simply disagree with him on the issues. No harm in

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-84439153033972298672008-07-09T13:44:00.005-05:002008-07-09T14:38:36.245-05:00

Three weeks ago, I wrote in a column about the horrific flood that had ravaged by hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Last weekend, I got a chance to see the devastation first-hand.It was a disturbing sight.My parents had told me ahead of time about the blocks and blocks of destruction. I had read accounts from civic leaders who had referred to the disaster as "our Katrina." I had foraged the Internet

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-25049645260803935132008-07-01T16:31:00.002-05:002008-07-03T22:51:58.654-05:00

Six years ago, with the help from my father, I planted 15 evergreen trees across the western edge of my backyard.The idea was to create a windbreak, as well as a little shade and privacy. In the neighborhoods of the Greater Armorel Metropolitan Area, where the houses have sprung out of the cotton fields, there isn't a lot of any of that. Some folks get the privacy via a fence, but unless you're

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-6900228263610406212008-06-25T14:23:00.002-05:002008-06-25T14:27:35.740-05:00

With the first full day of summer passing over the weekend, what many of us had suspected for some time became official: Summertime has arrived.I spend most of the winter pining for summer's arrival, yet when it's actually here, it always seems to go by in a flash. Summer is one of those many things in life that we all too often fail to appreciate while we are actually experiencing it.So I

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-73607566972229998062008-06-18T13:56:00.004-05:002008-07-09T14:28:39.401-05:00

When you work in the news business, it's not unusual for a story to come along that hits home.But I never expected a story to hit home as literally as the recent news of the devastating floods that have ravaged Eastern Iowa for the last few days.As many readers may know, I hail from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which has been the epicenter of the recent floods. They say at least 24,000 residents were

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-14438663395673402582008-06-11T14:20:00.007-05:002008-07-09T14:30:15.360-05:00

Now that the two major political parties have finally settled on their candidates, it's time to sit back and watch the quadrennial reality show known as the "Veepstakes."This is where political pundits in the news media spent countless hours speculating about who might get picked as running mates, even though nobody really knows anything — and even though recent history has proven that running

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-68412372487665577002008-06-04T11:31:00.001-05:002008-06-04T11:32:32.550-05:00

When planners set out to build Disney World and its theme parks in Florida, there's a story about the thought that went into the trash cans. According to the tale, a conscious decision was made to put a trash can every 25 steps.The idea, at least according to legend, is that the company studied the number of steps any given person would carry a piece of trash before simply chucking it on the

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1993800189337903478.post-8505377305014983932008-05-29T12:03:00.002-05:002008-05-29T12:12:03.288-05:00

It had to be a little melancholy for some Arkansas State University students last week, watching their former home disappear into a cloud of dust.The university imploded its nine-story Seminole Twin Towers dormitory complex Sunday, clearing the way for green space and eventual new buildings. The residence hall once housed 700 students, before closing three years ago.I never attended ASU, so

Andy Weldnoreply@blogger.com0