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I know people say you should never discuss sex, politics or religion in polite company, but I’ve never been one to adhere to what “people” say. I like talking about all three, and I think it’s time these topics come out of the closet and join the conversation. So here goes.
For breakfast this morning I poached two eggs laid by Trouble, one of Ken Snoke’s chickens. Trouble may be trouble in the hen yard, but she sure knows how to produce picture-perfect green-gray eggs – a color you will not find in PAAS Easter egg dye kits. […]
Creating an outdoor living area that serves as a natural retreat or functional room will not only change your lifestyle but might just change your life!
Outdoor living areas provide areas to entertain, spend time with family and friends, and to simply enjoy ones natural surroundings. Here in Jacksonville, our great climate means there’s plenty of […]
Beverly & Neill Smith’s rhodie garden
“Rhododendron… (Ancient Greek rhódon “rose,” déndron “tree”) a genus of over 1000 species of woody plants, the heath family, most with showy flowers… includes the plants known as azaleas.”
…And more than 200 of those species are in Beverly Smith’s […]
ON CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Last month I wrote of the many citizen volunteers who devote their time, their resources, and their energy, to our city. Naturally, not every one has the time to devote to commissions or committees, or for that matter […]
Peaceful Resolutions
Occasionally I’ve suffered from a syndrome I call “Peace at all costs.” Sometimes it’s a good thing. I just accept “what is” and don’t feel the need to be “right,” —but I have to check with myself that the attitude […]
THE ARMOIRE RE-VISITED
Armoires have been loved pieces of furniture for hundreds of years. Their basic practicality combined with simple to ornate style details make them an item to be treasured. With the advent of large-screen TVs, many of us find ourselves in possession of media […]
Ginger Rogers Fashion Show! Sunday, May 1, 2-4 pm at the Rogue Valley Country Club
Must-Know Tips for Spring Cleaning!
Eye Protection for Gardeners...!
Pear Blossom's Almost Here - time to think about Your Ankles...
Emotional Spring Cleaning!
Time to Get Your Body Healthy and Strong...
The web of life...
Reflections on life in a Small but Friendly Town....
Two classic Rock 'n Roll Autobiographies of two all-time greats...
Retaining walls not only serve a necessary function but can enhance your landscape...
The Parker's "Yarden"
See this GREAT LIST to help you BE PREPARED!
The other day, Turner Classic Movies ran a 1930’s film titled COME AND GET IT. The film starred Edward Arnold and Joel McCrea. I knew Joel, and had even had him and his beautiful wife, Frances Dee, to dinner once. So, I decided to watch the film. A major fiction writer of the day, Edna […]
“Why Don’t We Do It On The Road?
God bless Dwight David Eisenhower.
Seriously.
As thirty-fourth president of the United States, Eisenhower did American travelers a big […]
Healthy Golf!
A couple of years ago, I came across an idea that completely changed the way I view human evolution. What it said was basically this: that all spiritual growth and unfoldment comes from letting go. This simple little sentence was, for me, revelatory. It is not by adding, but by subtracting that we become who […]
In 1950 Harvard professor David Riesman published a groundbreaking book called The Lonely Crowd. His premise was that the modern corporate economy and the emerging suburban middle class were irrevocably altering the national character, encouraging Americans to trade rugged individualism for sameness and […]
What Makes
you Happy?
The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. ~Benjamin Franklin. Do you know what makes you happy? How often do you think about being happy? When someone asks […]
New ipads went on sale Friday, March 11th. People wait in line
Terry Moore copied the Review on this email sent to Hubert Smith on Jan. 13.
When you don't agree with public officials you vote them out of office, the recall process should be used only when an official does something illegal...
The underlying theme of the recall effort being led by Hubert Smith is that Jacksonville has residents ready, willing and to able support a volunteer fire department. On the contrary, those Smith snidely claims will put down their lattes and glasses of pinot noir and pick up a fire ladder are too busy with family, career and other volunteer work to do so.
Seems to me the recall organizers are out of touch with the community. I am a homeowner in Jacksonville for 13 years and I appreciate the Fire Department services...
Councilwoman Donna Schatz has served the city of Jacksonville faithfully and diligently. She deserves to remain in office. I am voting NO on this recall...
The peaceful community of Jacksonville is in real turmoil because of Hube Smith's irrational and expensive recall efforts.
Mayor Bruce Garrett’s resignation in the face of the recall attempt marked a sad day for the City of Jacksonville.
I have some personal experience with regard to the professionalism of the Jacksonville Fire Department and their emergency response team.
A little history might help put the Jacksonville Department level of service and funding issues in perspective.
Fire department staffing and funding depends on the desired “service level” and what are you personally willing to pay...
Historically, this season heralds a time of reflection, of releasing the old and welcoming the new.
Please read first two recent Letters to the Editor upon which the following commentary is based:
Letter from Mr. Hubert Smith regarding funding for the Jacksonville Fire Department
Letter from Mr. Dick Ames regarding funding for the Jacksonville Fire department
A casual reading of Mr. Smith’s letter might lead one to conclude […]
I am deeply concerned about the movement that is under way to reshape our Fire Department from the current structure of six professional fire service members, augmented with interns and volunteers, to a volunteer fire department. While I respect and support the work and dedication of volunteers and what they accomplish, I strongly believe that an all-Volunteer Fire Department will place our citizens and neighbors at risk.
A National Fire Protection Assn report tabulates the median number of paid firefighters for populations of 25,000 to 49,999 at 1.27 persons. The result of a nationwide survey, this gives an idea of the most common staffing levels however it does not reflect a recommendation by the NFPA. Jacksonville now has 6 full-time equivalent firefighters and the department has projected an 11-person department by FY 2013-2014. This would take the present $541,000 fire budget to $1,400,000 by FY 2012-2013.
How often does a vacation transcend the outside to the inside, from the excluded to the included, to join the harvest and share stories of the road with new friends?
What causes the odd effects within the famous Oregon Vortex of Gold Hill? On March 12, 1980, Richard Engeman and Marjorie Edens, of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, interviewed Fred Coffman, who worked as manager for the Vortex’s original owner, John Litster, who opened it to the public in 1930. Here, Coffman makes his own attempts at defining the mystery.
Your home should be a safe haven. If you do not regularly check for home fire hazards, there is the potential for danger. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is […]
This October 19th, Jacksonville celebrates its official 150th birthday. The Sesquicentennial Jubilee held September 17-25th was a prelude to Jacksonville’s actual date of incorporation...
The excitement of September’s Jubilee celebration still hangs thick in the air as pinot noir grapes are being harvested from the hillsides of nearby vineyards. Hopefully, you had a chance to partake in September’s festivities […]
Guest Opinion by Tony Hess