Life

A Provoking Thought: We All Have a Choice

Local Commentaries August 8, 2026

It is scientifically proven that positive words light up the front part of the brain which help people think clearly, solve problems, and make good choices. Whereas negative words put up a wall of defensiveness triggering a chemical response in the brain which impairs logical reasoning. This brings to question, why would we think we can reason and/or change the viewpoints of others through negativity, which according to science impairs logical thinking? Simply put, we can’t, which is evident throughout our current society. The Bible says, show me your faith without works and I ...

Chautauqua Lake: A World-Class Fishery in Our Own Backyard

Nature August 8, 2026

Ahhh... summer in Chautauqua County. It doesn't get much better than this, especially if you love fishing! Our very own Chautauqua Lake is considered a hidden gem and ranks as the thirteenth most-fished waterbody in New York State. Known for its diverse, multi-species fishery, the lake offers outstanding angling opportunities throughout the year and attracts everyone from casual weekend anglers to dedicated tournament competitors. As the largest inland lake in western New York, Chautauqua Lake is a highly productive ecosystem featuring two distinctly different basins that provide a ...

Therapy session prompts reflection

Viewpoints August 8, 2026

Editor's note: This column by Marshall Greenstein will appear occasionally in The Post-Journal. A man named Leo contacted me for an appointment. His neighbor friend, Butch, gave him my name. He came without an agenda. Leo is retired, having worked as a rural route mailman for twenty-eight years. He and his neighbor spent their time playing games. He’s not clear what discussions they shared that resulted in Leo seeking counseling. Much to learn, he’s married and his wife is employed. As a couple, they reportedly socialize with Butch and his wife. They have three children and five ...

Blossom of snow: A starry symbol of the Alps makes an unusual addition to rock gardens

Features August 8, 2026

If you're looking to plant a rare flower with a storied past that's had a well-known song written about it, edelweiss will check all your boxes. My mother grew up in northeastern Italy, just over the Austrian border near the Alps, where edelweiss grow wild along steep rocky ledges. When I ...

Small steps taken in Neil Armstrong's childhood home inspired giant leap for mankind

Features August 8, 2026

WAPAKONETA, Ohio (AP) — Inside Neil Armstrong's boyhood home, at the top of a creaky stairway, sits his bedroom where he launched model airplanes out of the rear window to measure how far they'd fly. Hanging in the room now are autographed photos of astronauts who've visited the privately ...

Move Over Bemus! Lakewood has “The Ave” and live summer concerts

Local News August 8, 2026

Bemus, you know we love you, but here’s a vote to start calling Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood “The Ave.” It’s a natural shortening that catches on when one avenue becomes the cultural heart of a community. I’ve been truly enamored with the transformation of storefronts, new businesses, and the diversity of services. If you haven’t walked The Ave lately, I highly recommend you do—on a Saturday, say, around lunchtime. And if you haven’t sat on our hill at one of the Rock the Lake concerts in Hartley Park, well, you can’t really call it summer anymore. Take a walk with ...