This week the TV news showed us images of George Bush, president of the United States and supposed leader of the free world, carrying a Saudi sword while dancing with a member of the Saudi royal family. For me, this ultimate indignity on the part of our president was reminiscent of a drunken Boris Yeltsin, leader of a failed Soviet Union playing "would you like to lead a band ?" Doubtless George, wearing his now famous smirk, saw no loss of dignity in playing the court jester for his Arab friends, perhaps to win them over to his pathetic plea for OPEC to sell more oil to assist the U.S. economy, one of their biggest customers as Bush reminded them. Their curt response was they will increase their sales when the market warrants it, thereby putting Bush in his place and inferentially reminding him that the OPEC cartel does not exist to do the U.S. favors. Its ability to squeeze the U.S. in a time of economic crisis, despite Bush's supposed generosity in approving a large sale of sophisticated arms to Saudi Arabia, is a blunt reminder of who is in the economically dominant position, in U.S.- Saudi relations. Way to go George! ...more

January 20, 2008

as a teacher, administrator and ultimately superintendent - I have come to recognize what it takes for children to succeed. ...more

January 15, 2008

Thank you to the wonderful residents of Lake Placid who heartily responded to the call for toys to be given to local children for Christmas. The needs of our community were huge this year but the generosity of Lake Placid made it possible for over 800 local children to receive a gift this Christmas. Our special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, the local businesses who collected and donated toys, the participating Lake Placid churches, Manna Ministries and the special people of Memorial United Methodist Church who collected, wrapped and hosted the fourth annual Christmas Store. ...more

December 29, 2007

As we exchange present during the holidays are upon us, let's take a moment to remember the core importance of being connected to others and the spiritual lessons which mean so much to so many. ...more

December 24, 2007

Susan Dahl had spent four months homeless in Colorado and had just been on a harrowing 10-hour bus trip through sleet and snow. Hungry and broke, all she wanted to do was get back to family in Minnesota. ...more

December 22, 2007

There was an early Grinch who stole our church trailer and "Thanks-For-Giving Bags" being collected by members of our parish to be distributed to needy families through our Community Cupboard Food Pantry ("Church Bemoans Theft Of Trailer Full Of Holiday Fare," Metro, Nov. 14). ...more

December 15, 2007

I would like to express the gratitude of the officers and members of Post 74 of the American Legion, for the wonderful turnout at our first golf tournament, held on Dec. 8 at Harder Hall Country Club. The generosity of our local business community, who gave so freely of their goods and services for our raffle, truly helped make the tournament a success. Space prohibits listing the names of all those who contributed, but you know who you are, so please accept our heartfelt thanks. Thanks also to Harder Hall pro John Phillips, for a great job in handicapping, scoring, and just being an all-around "good guy." We hope to make our second annual tour next year even better. ...more

December 11, 2007

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check out charitable organizations before making any donations. As the holidays get under way, charities are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Florida law requires most charities that do business in the state – regardless of where they are headquartered – to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures. There are 12,597 charitable organizations registered with the state. ...more

December 9, 2007

John Amato adores children. He finds no greater joy than putting smiles on their faces, especially during the holidays. ...more

November 28, 2007

The decades of preserving his family's history, collecting antiques and spreading generosity haven't gone unnoticed. ...more

November 26, 2007