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Local Commentaries

Fears of having phobias

When I met my late husband in San Diego in the ’60s, he was a Navy pilot. On the day he proposed on the beach, he confessed that he was afraid of the water. He didn’t swim. Oh, and he was afraid of heights. So, if you are afraid of heights and cannot swim, what do you do in the Navy? ...

‘Divided’ nation is reaching a tipping point

By JAMES A. GILLETTE Jr. I was born just a short 80 years after the end of the Civil War. In my lifetime I have been witness to many changes in the world and our nation. I do not believe I have ever witnessed the degree of division and hatred within our country. In 1858 Abraham Lincoln gave ...

The important gift

In our lifetime we receive many gifts, but none as important as the gift of life. Our mothers gave us the ultimate gift. Whether we were conceived in love or otherwise, our mothers went through nine months of preparation for our birth. When you are pregnant you do not really think about ...

A fish out of water amid pool of memories

Recently, I read that nine out of 10 living species on our planet are in the ocean. That amazed me, until I started thinking about more than fish – all the living coral and shells, and the sheer enormity of the deep waters food chain. And then I remembered just how big the Pacific is. If ...

Despite number of weapons, guns always a target

A bat, a brick, a shoe, a car, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver, a knife, a gun all inanimate objects that are present every day in the life of Americans. All have been used to kill a human. Every listed item is harmless until used to harm someone. Every item is incapable of harm on its ...

View from Hickory Heights: Solitaire can be fun

During my off time I often play Solitaire. Recently I have discovered several new types. My Kindle has many types of Solitaire on one of the programs. Playing Solitaire reminds me of our trip to Alaska. We stayed in a small apartment. That apartment was quite well stocked with movies, but we ...