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Continuing On Learning About Ants

Ants are doubly annoying because the minute I started checking, they taught me how dreadfully ignorant I am. Definitely on the subject of ants. Unless you too are in the habit of picking one up to squash it (there are spots shoes don’t reach), you might not know they bite — and sting. They have long (well, for an ant) mandibles (the illustration shows what appears as two long curved teeth) which can be used for defense. But they also have a “sting” at the end of their back end and I suspect that’s what I feel. Not anything to cry about but an unpleasant surprise ...

Divide And Conquer In Modern America

I’ve decided to create my own little autonomous zone at my house. I’m going to erect a chain link fence at the end of my driveway and the only people who are allowed through the gate are my mail lady, family members and people who agree with me about everything. And I mean absolutely everything. You don’t like lemon and ginger tea with honey? Don’t bother stopping by. You like my last haircut better? Don’t even consider expressing your opinion here. It’s not welcome. And hey, if we can’t agree on the best way to roast a chicken, please refrain from ever speaking to me ...

Enjoy The Summer Fun You Can

I think playgrounds are open but I am not sure. It has been awfully slow opening everything up around here. I know there are no programs this year, but I think parents can still take their children to the playground if they choose to. When I was growing up the playground played a significant role in my summer entertainment. Sometimes I went to work with my mother to be able to go to the playground that was near her work. (Number 2 School playground) That activity netted me many new friends since it was beyond my neighborhood. I especially liked the crafts that were done at the ...

Taking A Look Into The Definition And Job Of A Father

Who takes on the arduous job of provider, protector, counselor, advisor, teacher, referee, arbitrator, disciplinarian, repairman, and many more roles that may pop up during his life? One answer is, of course, a father. We know how much mothers do for their children, and the many roles and tasks they take on after giving birth to their children, and realize the additional time mothers spend as mothers and fathers in some of today’s family situations. But even in situations where both parents are not living together, and in cases where one parent may be gone for military ...

Stress Levels Remain High For Downtowns

Downtowns are nowhere near the hub of activity they were some four decades ago. Longtimers here have lamented that fact for many years. Brooklyn Square, a community gathering place for shopping and food filled with energy, was one of those casualties. In the 1970s, the federally supported Urban Renewal program took down some 150 buildings, displaced 125 active businesses and about 100 families that were the heart of the city. Its unique and treasured spirit was forever lost. In Dunkirk, residents remain so angry they could spit when they reflect on a similar scene. Neighborhoods in ...

Write Your Obit? If You Don’t, They Will

I have definite views about obituaries. I have company. Some journalists, funeral directors and history buffs love to read obituaries of total strangers. We get more than information. Obituaries provide snapshots of bygone times: Graduations from long-closed schools, jobs at factories and downtown stores that no longer exist, etc. But most Americans have enough to do with getting through each day instead of gleaning obituaries of people they never wanted/needed to meet. Obituaries have changed in the six decades or so that I have been an avid reader. That is not surprising. America ...