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Rounding Third: Movies supply magic in everyday life

We watched the 97th Academy Awards show on Sunday. Well, let’s say that I watched it and Dear Richard tolerated it. We’ve only been married for 12 years, and he didn’t realize early on that he had joined a family of dedicated film buffs. Whether you call it film, movies, or cinema, we are three generations who enjoy good flicks. It started early for me. As a kid, I went every Saturday afternoon. For years. It was so long ago that the ticket price was 12 cents! Candy bars were a nickel and both popcorn and those boxes of Good and Plenty, or Milk Duds were 10 cents. Back then I ...

View from Hickory Heights: A common invention

Do you know who Walter Hunt was? I am guessing you probably do not recognize the name, but he made a significant contribution that we all have used. In 1849 he invented the safety pin. He received his patent, but later sold it to satisfy a debt. He received $400 for his patent ending his claim to fame. The article I read had pictures. The safety pin from the time of his patent remained virtually the same as it looks today. I do remember some decorative safety pins from my diaper days. There were some that were bunnies, some ducks, and some that looked like other pets. I also ...

Job reductions at ANF will take toll on county

The headline in the Feb. 22 edition of the Warren Times Observer reads “Forest Service layoffs may affect ANF.” How devastating would cuts to the ANF be to the Warren community? Let me give you the facts. As of January, the Allegheny National Forest employed 151 full-time people spread between three offices in Warren, Bradford, and Marienville. These 151 foresters, engineers, hydrologists, wildlife biologists, archeologists, recreation specialists, and more, not only work on the ANF but they represent 151 families that own homes, shop for groceries in our markets, send their kids ...

Lessons for the U.S. can be found in Sweden

About six years ago, Economist Johan Norberg produced a documentary about Sweden’s recent economic transformations entitled “Sweden: Lessons for America.” The program is very informative as well as entertaining, and will challenge what you thought you knew. You can still catch it on YouTube (highly recommended). Sweden was one of the poorest countries in the world prior to 1850 when many fled to avoid the grinding poverty. (The first Swedes came to Jamestown in 1849; immigration locally continued through the World War I era.) Later, Sweden adopted free markets to become one of ...

Rounding Third: You have arrived at your destination

I hate seeing a new doctor. The obvious reason is that one of my physical systems is experiencing a kerfuffle that requires yet another brilliant medical specialist. And another trip to Doctor City (Erie). “Please arrive at the doctor’s office 15 minutes prior to your appointment and make sure to bring your insurance cards.” This is a recording. Frankly, I don’t leave the house without my insurance cards. They have a permanent slot in my wallet. At my age, I could need them on the way to the hairdresser. I never risk the 70-mile drive to Doctor City without all insurances ...

Time is right to rebrand Warren Area High School

By ROBERT JEPSON I wrote this letter to every school board member and superintendent. I received a generic kick rocks letter back from Mr. Paul Mangione. It’s a “we don’t honestly care about the public opinion” letter. Voices deserve to be heard. I am inquiring about when the school district plans to start its rebranding process and what that will look like. This is obviously the only fair route that needs to be taken after tearing apart two communities. During the school consolidation and closing process, one of the board members frequented the sentiment that some are ...