One of the least popular classes at every scholastic level is history. When I taught more that one history subject many years ago, students would often complain as to just why they needed to study these boring ‘oldies.’ My usual answer was to tell them that they would have a hard time baking cookies or finding some pole bean seed, if not for history...

Well over 50 years ago, there was an incident with two of my oldest friends, that included a bit of juvenile delinquency! Water balloons and those legendary firecrackers known as M-80s were the culprits. Although these actions at the time were considered unlawful, I am confident the statute of limitations is long past. Thus, I am now willing to finally as we used to say, come clean and spill the beans!...

At the Trail Drive-In Theater during my adolescent years, the back row of that complex was called by many names, some of which are not suitable for printing within this story. For today’s column I will use the simple pseudonym Passion Row! Now that we are approaching the longest day of the year, we are in full summertime mode. ...

There are many reasons seniors like myself, recall with fondness those proverbial “Good Old Days,” but for me it was the variety of choices which were available to kids back then. Unlike today’s world where seemingly every youthful activity or sport is planned and regulated to the N-th degree by parents, organizations, coaches, and traveling teams, my boomer generation was more often than not, left to our own devices when it came to summer fun...

In my grandmother’s home there was a small room we called the ‘kitchen nook,’ and sitting upon the window sill was a wondrous Indian statue. The Indian could not have been much more than 3 or 4 inches tall, but it regularly commanded my childlike attention owing to its unique daily predictions...

Over this past Memorial Day weekend, the Turner Classic Movie channel ran non-stop service related movies for 3 full days. There was one movie I had not seen before, which caught my attention. It was named after the real-life venue known as the “Hollywood Canteen.” A regular practice within the walls of the canteen was the nightly dancing which more often than not included the World War II style boogie boogie!...

We made a trip last Sunday to Chicken Annie’s for a Sunday chicken dinner. As I savored my delicious meal and watched the rest of the crowd enjoy this very American fare, my thoughts turned back to my early farm youth. I don’t have a preference when deciding between Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s. ...

The Memorial Day holiday is just around the corner, and I am reminded that back in my youth, that meant it was “pool time.” In Nevada that weekend was always the traditional opening date for that wonderful swimming pool to open at Radio Springs. The pool was a fixture for many of our “boomer” generation. If you want to see more of the history and pictures, there is a great website about Radio Springs Park. Go online and look for the park’s name at cotteyphile.com...

This subject is taken from the title of the Waylon Jennings classic song, “Dreaming My Dreams With You.” That was always one of my favorite tunes by Waylon. His soulful lyrics just seemed perfect. It also reminds me of the dreams we all have, and their mysterious effects they have on us...

I am, as the title of this story states, a creature of habit. I practice many routines, as a result of many years of predisposition toward certain near obsessive behaviors. This idea came to me while I was completing the annual spring vinegar cleaning of my coffee pot...

Fifty-eight years ago, Monday, March 21, 1960, the final conductor call for railroad passenger service in Nevada occurred. The railroads that serviced Nevada in our past history, are now diminutive shadows of that “Golden Age.” This story came from old Daily Mail archives. These clippings give one a glimpse back into our collective past. There is a lot more than the railroad history...

There was once a television show titled, “Mr. Wizard.” The star and creator of the show was Donald Jeffery Herbert (Wikipedia). To kids from my baby boomer generation, his show which ran on Saturday mornings from 1951-1965, was must-see television. I was reminded of Mr. ...

The question in that title was one that I could easily have answered 40-plus years ago. That was when I manually checked grocery items, on what we now think of as antique cash registers. It gives one pause to wonder, what new inventions we will use for commerce exchange in the future...

That title is from the legendary “Birthday” record, written by John Lennon, and released as a hit single by the Beatles in 1968. This Sunday, I will celebrate another birthday. If I had a traditional cake, there would be so many candles the flames would likely require a 911 call to the fire department. Still, as in the line from that Beatle’s song, “we’re gonna have a good time!”...

Some disturbing news regarding fan actions at last Saturday’s NHS Boy’s basketball game during the finals of the Kansas Army National Guard Invitational Tournament were brought to my attention recently. My immediate reaction each time I hear about these types of fan behavioral issues, is to shudder and think back to the “look,” of one Gail Keithly...

It is customary for many to review the past year, and make New Year’s resolutions. This is not a practice that I have subscribed to in the past, and I am not sure if this is exactly what I am attempting in this story. What I can relate with certainty, is that I have personal behavioral concerns which have been a part of my psyche for as long as I can remember. ...

After completing a recent column about a childhood vacation with my grandparents, I pleasantly remembered my Grandmother Hart’s famous trip journals. Thinking of those long ago days when everyone regularly wrote notes and letters, I couldn’t help but compare our lifestyles back then, to the current instantaneous world of social media. ...

I saw a news segment regarding school lunches on television recently and my thoughts turned back in time to my own school lunch days. Much has changed over the years and I am not certain that it is all for the better. In the mid 50s, I attended kindergarten at Franklin School for a half day each morning. ...

I first heard the use of the analogy in the title of this column, as it was expressed by a Pittsburg State professor in my organization and business class, nearly five decades ago. He made the comparison to clarify to us his simplest theory on how a business operates. I think there is an affinity in this metaphor that can relate to our current NRMC hospital issue...

Over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-7, 1970, there was a huge rock festival held about 45 miles from here, southeast of Pittsburg, Kan. I didn’t attend because I was living and working in Pomona, Calif., at the time but I was quite familiar with the background, culture and sentiments that led directly to this event...

Tonight, Nevada High School will induct upon our Wall of Fame, two of my 1966 Big 10 Conference Championship Football teammates. Larry Householder and Jim Olson were like the thunder and lightening, that one associates with a Midwest thunderstorm. They will forever be inseparably linked as the stars of that great team and season but for me they were much more...

The normal issues with aging are bad enough but when they involve my computer or cell phone, I am forced to acknowledge that much has passed me by. In what we refer to as the cyber world, there is a common term “locked.” When either my computer or cell phone enters the locked stage it is akin to being incarcerated in jail...

As I sit in front of my computer and begin work on this column, I have a stack of full size paper towels close at hand to battle my constant sneezing and nasal drip. I have had to wage this war against “hay fever,” since I was very young. I am quite certain that many of you will sympathize with me, as a significant number of you are suffering as well. Allergies nag at our sense of well-being and at times they can become deadly...

Sunday I will be at Arrowhead Stadium. Unfortunately, there will likely be an issue that will result in a lot of misunderstanding and even anger. When the national anthem is performed many people will honor it, some will protest. This division is just one more example of the riddle that the races in America have yet to solve...

This past week I watched a segment of HBO’s “Real Sports,” that focused on the youth sports industry in America. This show reminded me of the tremendous changes in youth sports that have taken place during my lifetime. I remember my first inkling of this revolution back in the 1980s, when the “minivan kids” became the norm...

Anyone who traveled west on Austin Boulevard this past weekend had to notice that one of Nevada’s oldest bastions, had returned in full swing. This mainstay of our community, Cottey College, greeted new students for the beginning of their 134th year. This institution’s new education season once again gives our community a sense of renewal and enrichment. For some of our community’s male population the opening of a new year brings back enjoyable past memories...

If you have ever made a choice, a decision, or procrastinated about something in your life, this is my tale of just such an incident. As I reflect back to that long ago time I again ask myself the same questions that are in the title of this article. Should I have acted differently at that young age, could I have really had the courage to step up, and finally would it really have made a difference?...

I couldn’t decide upon a good topic for this weeks column, so I am going to graze through my trash bin of thoughts and empty the following: Local schools will open soon. I noticed on the R-5 calendar that the teachers have a workday set for today. Along with this schedule, families will be gearing up to purchase a host of needed items for their kids. ...

Many of my fellow senior friends tell me how much they enjoy the memories of our youthful days from Nevada’s past. In a recent discussion I was asked if I could remember the free summertime movies at the Fox Theater. These are the recollections I have from that time...

My response to a recent inquiry was to reply in kind with a question of my own. During my recent 50th class reunion, several of my former classmates questioned the current status of their old hometown. They wondered how those of us who still live here have been able to endure this back water village. In a comeback, I teased them, “in all these same years you have so loved living in your larger metropolitan area, how many hours, days or perhaps months, have you squandered sitting at stoplights?...

The title of this article is the same as the title of the 1970 movie, starring Dustin Hoffman. I have copied it, to honor a man who so fit that description, Judge Jerry McBeth. This Saturday, there will be a Memorial to remember Judge Jerry McBeth, at the United Methodist Church in Nevada. The service will begin at 1 PM, and there will be a “Celebration of Life,” to follow at the Nevada Country Club...

Bittersweet reunion This Friday and Saturday, my NHS Class of 1967 will celebrate its 50th class reunion. We will once more gather as we did so many times throughout the years as fellow classmates. I am sure everyone will be happy to see these old friends but there will be some “bittersweet” emotions accompanying our reunion...

It has been a long-standing topic of conversation for adults of any era, to evaluate the prospects of the succeeding generations. After recent contemplation, I have come to some rather surprising conclusions, regarding the subjects of this story. I am relatively certain, that the futures for our offspring are simultaneously quite bright while equally unclear...

I recently traveled to Miami, Oklahoma, to attend my friend’s annual 4th of July party. This yearly gathering to celebrate our country’s birth has become a must see for many of my friends and myself. I met Scott and his wife Kellie over a decade ago while attending a Chief’s football game at Arrowhead Stadium. ...

I was awakened recently by the clap of thunder and the familiar drum of rain on the window, which immediately transported my mind back to summer days of my youth, in the “Neighborhood.” I am always amazed that such now distant memories from my childhood remain fresh, when I can’t remember what I had reminded myself to put on my to do list just 5 minutes ago!...

One of my favorite pastimes is to look at old copies of the Daily Mail on Google News. One of my most enjoyed sections to review, is that of “Circling The Square,” the regular local news, views, and thoughts, of editor Peter V. McCoy. On Feb. 5, 1967, McCoy listed some information regarding the upcoming Bond Rally, for the prospective 3M Company...

My passport is due for renewal. I thought I would need my birth certificate but when I checked with the Post Office they told me that my prior passport and a picture ID would be all that was needed. Anytime I think of birth certificates I am reminded of Will Rogers. Anytime I think of Will, I also wish he was still here today to share some of his famous insights...

I recently received several graduation announcements and have forwarded appropriate cards and gifts. As I was completing these tasks my mind wandered back to many May days from my own past and my recollections of when “school was out.” My earliest memories took place at Jefferson School, where I attended my first four grades. Those memories are quite vague all these many decades later but some occurrences remain clear...

On Sunday, June 7, the television network ESPN, aired the final episode of “The Sports Reporters,” after a nearly 30-year run. I am sure that the network has some valid researched reasons for this action but for me it is just one more “straw that broke the camels back,” in the seemingly ongoing movement to diminish the traditions of free press, journalism and perhaps most importantly journalists themselves...

My concept regarding the passage of time continues to experience an increase in velocity, further emphasized in the dictionary by the simple word, acceleration. This is not a new issue for anyone, as they grow older. While I accept the inevitability of this phenomenon that does not by any means require me to accept it gracefully!...

Forty-seven years ago many from my generation voiced the idiom just “killin” time, on a regular basis. It was in the month of May 1970 that I recall a particular afternoon when those words were precisely representative of my actions. I recently wrote about the Kent State Riots that had occurred just a few weeks before in April. ...

In six days, the 47th anniversary of the Kent State Massacre will be observed. I reviewed several Internet sites, to gather pictures and accounts of that event. Again, I was reminded of just how much those few seconds of tragedy, and the upheaval that followed, changed America forever...

Sometimes it takes a kid’s point of reference to let us comprehend an everyday life reality. A recent Dennis the Menace cartoon aptly describes this very human conflict. In the cartoon, Dennis is striding across the floor of the family kitchen holding a cookie in one hand, while he’s eating another. ...

It is once again prom season, and I am reminded of the phrase we once used to describe how great we looked decked out in our fancy attire, “you look cleaner than the board of health!” There is a special feeling that prom dresses and tuxedos provide to young high school kids It is a right of passage, from adolescence to young adulthood...

Earlier this month the world lost perhaps the single most knowledgeable motion picture expert, Robert Osborne, who passed away at age 84. Many of you will perhaps not recognize Robert by name but he was the familiar face and lead host for the Turner Classic Movie Channel. While I never personally met or talked to Mr. Osborne, I consider him a close friend due to our shared lifelong love of motion pictures...

The latest craze on Facebook has many of my generation looking back and posting pictures of our first cars, especially the ones we truly loved. I once had the opportunity to own my very own Nash family sedan, but opted instead for a car that better enticed my youthful sentiments. If you are from my generation you will always remember the 1958 hit song from the title of this story...

Over the past couple of weeks we have experienced some early season storms, which reminded me again of my long association with a Midwest tradition, the household basement. Besides the protection from the dangers of tornado season, these underground facilities have provided me, and many others, with a variety of uses...

This Friday, the world will acknowledge and celebrate the 141st anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell's first telephone call. I wonder how amazed he would be, if he could witness the current state of his invention? Perhaps I should give some background for my decision to use this topic for this week's column. ...

It's been 26 years since I lost my best and oldest friend, Randy Emery. He was an amazing personality and he was also a professional magician. His life and mine will be forever linked. Randy and I were destined to be close. Our family connections traced back through several family generations. My Grandfather Ben Hart, came to this area shortly after the First World War. He operated the Bank of Milo until it closed in the late 1940s...

For most of my youthful days, everyone in the Pittsburg, Kan., viewing area religiously followed Channel 7's weatherman, Earl Ludlum, when we needed a meteorological prediction. It's February, and I wish Earl was still around to let me know what's ahead for all of us!...

The title of this week's column is taken from one of my all time favorite novels, "God Is an Englishman." The setting for this novel begins in the middle of the Victorian England period, and details the issues that the "Industrial Age," brought to the people of that era. One might not consider that age's insights to be of much use for comparison to today's world, I definitely feel it does...

There are some weeks where nothing seems to "strike my fancy" in selecting a theme for my column. When all else fails, I turn to my "clutter bin." This location contains past ideas that have failed to measure up to a full story line, or some new thoughts that only require a few passing sentences. This is one of those weeks...

The Nevada R-5 School District is rejoining a part of our former Big 10 conference, beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. Within our division of the conference, there is one school that will require the longest trek, for both our students and fans. Oh, how I remember those Cassville trips of old!...

There is a saying that love and hate are very similar. This past weekend, I experienced both sentiments, in almost equal proportions. My PBS channel aired the entire six years of the "Downton Abbey" series. There was no way I could watch all of the episodes, reminding myself, there were football playoff games and other items on my agenda but as you might suspect, that plan in no way prevented me from tirelessly watching multiple reruns...

At this year's end, I reflect upon the many good people who have passed on, and the different emotions these departures elicit within. The "circle of life," was for many years just a familiar phrase. In my latter years, it has garnered greater meaning...

Last week, I was making my annual Christmas gift list. The foremost names on that list were for my grandchildren. Like most people, I find great enjoyment and pleasure, in this giving process. Last week, I discovered a different gift I could give to them, that of including them in learning of charity and caring for others...

That's a question that is becoming all too common in today's America. If you need a skilled trades person to fix, remodel, build or install something, I wish you good luck. I have faithfully watched 'This Old House' on PBS every Thursday evening for about 30 years. In this past week's episode, they reinforced for all of us an ongoing labor issue that is a growing problem in America...

I recently reminisced from my youthful days, about the Saturday night 'Million Dollar Movie' that Channel 5 KCTV, presented each week at 10:30 p.m. My memory of that time slot and offering was triggered by some changes I noted in my current satellite/cable lineup...

I was once an extra in a major movie, I think! The filming took place in February of 1968, in New Orleans. The scenes being filmed were part of the Mardi Gras segments in the classic movie, 'Easy Rider.' I was reminded of that long ago period of my youth recently, as I was making plans for this Sunday's Chief's game versus the New Orleans Saints. ...

The past couple of days, my yard has taken on a new sensory effect. There is a distinctive sound which can best be described as a "crunch." This sound is caused by one thing only, the fallen leaves from my trees. Each year, as autumn wanes towards the holiday season, the leaves fall and become a familiar sight of the season. They also furnish that particularly cozy resonance of dry fall foliage when they are trampled...

Our community recently lost a vital soul whose middle name was Lanore. Sometimes the title 'Dame,' is viewed in a derogatory manner. I prefer a more elegant and historical definition: "the official title of a woman of rank." Katherine Lenore Robertson Howard Young, was certainly a "woman of rank" to many former students, friends and family...

NHS Tiger Football has made a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of many young men. Playing high school sports, or participating in the various activities our R-5 District offers, provides so much more than just recreation. The lessons learned from practice, hard work, and competition, last these fine young people the rest of their lives...

We are just one week away from the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Undefeated 1966 Big Ten Conference Football Team. This week, I wanted my story to reflect the connections and brotherhood that football has represented over the years at NHS...

On Friday Oct. 7, some former NHS Football Tigers will return to Logan Field. They are the remaining members of the fall of 1966, undefeated Big Ten Conference Championship Football Team. One common thought expressed by practically every one I've contacted was ... "it doesn't seem like it's been 50 years!"...

These words are from the title and lyrics, from the Grammy Award winning blues song from 1969, sung by legendary blues and jazz artist, Peggy Lee. I have always loved her soulful recording, but lately it reminds me of aging and other musings. The online encyclopedia wikipedia states, "the lyrics of this song are written from the point of view of a person who is disillusioned with events in life that are supposedly unique experiences ... ...

"Why we're losing the Internet to the culture of hate," is the title on the front page of the Aug. 29, issue of Time Magazine. This edition only reinforced my ongoing concern, about what I have come to consider being the "Wild Wild West" of social media...

There was a time when the Vernon County High Schools, held an annual winter basketball tournament. The tournament was originally played in the old Nevada High School gym, and later in the new gym, following the high school fire in November of 1956. Even though I was a student at NHS, I, like many local patrons, attended and thoroughly enjoyed watching those schools compete each year...

Editor's Note: This was originally published eight years ago right before the presidential election. Richard Carpenter has updated it, but he said he still has his doubts about those lefties lol. I, like many of you, have already tired of this presidential election year. I would not be writing this now if it were not of vital importance. For you see friends, there is a "sinister plot" hidden in this campaign. If the news media is correct, our next president will be left-handed!...

Over the weekend, I watched the eighth and final segment of AMC's, "The American West." As stated in the information cover for the show -- "Spanning the years 1865 to 1890, 'The American West,' will show how -- in the aftermath of the Civil War -- the United States transforms into the 'land of opportunity.'" Once again, I was reminded of just how much, the facts, legends, and myths of the American West, shaped so much of how Americans and the rest of the world perceive us...

August always brings with it nostalgic memories for me. Two vivid recollections include watermelons and a fiddler. Both reminiscences from my youth are connected to the Sheldon Old Settlers Picnic. From Aug. 18-20, Sheldon, will host its 112th annual, "Old Settlers Picnic." I don't know if there will be a fiddler, but I'm guessing there will be a watermelon contest...

That title comes from a 1980 television show, "Flamingo Road." One of the characters in that "Dallas" type genre show, was a man named, Claude Weldon. He repeated that line time after time, following one of his failed ventures. A few years later, Nevada could have collectively spoken that same line, when we received some of the worst news in our history...

A recent posting on Facebook included a picture of the old O&B Supermarket. In just minutes, many locals and former Nevada residents, connected through Facebook and emails with their memories of that store and another business, Witte's Bakery, located next door...

I was never certain why Joe Barone used "green ink" to grade our English IV essays. The term grade, barely describes the totality of his assessment process, for each of our offerings. If in this column, I display any modest writing ability, I owe him all I possess of that technique...

Monday we will celebrate our nation's 240th birthday, but I will not be setting off any fireworks like those from my childhood. Oh, to be back just one more time in the era of Black Cat firecrackers and cherry bombs. Many things have changed in our country's culture over the years, but the joy of fireworks has remained a constant from generation to generation. ...

Those were my exact words when I was shopping for printer ink cartridges last week. While I use my MacBook Air laptop almost every single day, my printer/scanner/copier, sits stoically quiet, for weeks at a time. This inactivity led directly to my astonishing discovery...

Editor's Note: This column appeared in a past edition of the Daily Mail. There have been many disasters the past few years. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and of course, lest we forget, the Mayan's have predicted the end of the world in 2012. It's enough to make one "scared stiff."...

My first $2 wager was made in February of 1964. I was quite certain I was going to win, when I put up that considerable portion of my pocket money. I was devastated when Cassius Clay knocked out the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Sonny Liston. It was the last time I ever made that mistake...

On the CBS Sunday Morning Show, "road rage," was the topic for one segment. During the show, I began to do some mental calculations, comparing the probabilities, of just where one would be most likely to experience such behaviors. Was it more feasible, to be accosted on the road here in our rural community, or in the more metropolitan cities?...

A few days ago, I received a graduation announcement, from a very good friend's graduating senior daughter. When I looked at the front of the envelope, there was an obvious error on the address line that had been corrected. In my address, a lower case error printed 'e' had been replaced with a lower case 'i.' That seemingly insignificant miscue, would lead me to a startling discovery. It appears we no longer teach cursive writing in our public schools!...

For the second time is the past few days, I was awakened by booming thunder and the steady cadence of rain showers pounding on the roof and windows. My lifelong affinity for thunderstorms made sleeping a delightful experience. As a kid I loved rainstorms, as they allowed me to accomplish one of my favorite activities, "wading."...

In a recent discussion with some friends, we covered the topic of how "smart phones," should be used in public schools. Our conversations covered issues, ranging from -- should they be allowed, to the many problems they pose. I will begin with the following declaimer. This discussion group was comprised of 'baby boomer seniors.' The school kids and their phones that were at the center of this discussion, represent our grandchildren's generation...

How many times do you remember that order from your mother, when she was taking your temperature? Most of my fellow "boomers," grew up using those old glass thermometers. Like so many innovations in our modern world, we now have digitized thermometers...

The title of this story is taken from a line spoken by Juliet, in William Shakespeare's classic play, "Romeo and Juliet." Last Saturday, the literary world paused to honor perhaps the greatest writer in human history, on the 400th anniversary of his passing. Many of you likely do not consider yourselves fans of the great "bard." It might surprise you, as to just how much you use his words in your everyday life...

(It's spring and baseball time, so in honor of my friend and longtime Daily Mail Sports Editor, Kelly Bradham, who loved BASEBALL) The title of this story is taken from some very memorable words, that every LA Dodger baseball fan, knows by heart. The full sentence is repeated every time that the legendary "voice" of the Dodgers, "Vin Scully," begins one of his baseball broadcasts...

(The following article was in the paper 10 years ago. I am rerunning it on this rainy Monday, April 11. Everyone has been wanting a good rain for several weeks, and it's finally arrived. As in the old country song, "The world needs a washin ... so why doesn't it rain? We are getting our wish. I love spring rains, and I hope this story brings back some nostalgic memories for you.)...

In America, we have become addicted to a new love. That phrase came to my mind this past weekend, as I watched Charlie Rose interview Fox News host Megan Kelly, on "CBS Sunday Morning." The interview was supposed to instruct me about the rift between Kelly, and the current presidential candidate, Donald Trump. What I actually learned included some startling statistics, regarding our "addiction" to the process taking place, practically every minute, of every news show on television...

Early next week, my beloved Kansas City Royals, will begin their title defense, as the World Series Champions of 2015. As always, I am excited for the season to begin, and I am planning my viewing schedules accordingly. The Royals have been keeping one surprise from their fans this spring. Over the winter they signed a young pitcher from Taiwan, who just might become a sensation in the 2016 season...

Outside this morning (9:32 a.m.), the sun is shining brightly, on this second official day of spring. Last night there was a mild freeze, but it is now 41 degrees (Monday). Later today, the high is expected to rise to 61. I am heading to the golf course in about 45 minutes, and I will be checking for the "smells of spring," that will be my official notification, that the season has actually arrived...

Last night, a group of good friends celebrated St. Patrick's Day at our home, where we enjoyed the traditional holiday fare of "corn beef and cabbage." This annual food selection is one of my favorites. As is often the case with any tradition, my thoughts turned to the background and history for this meal...

Last Sunday, PBS aired the final episode of "Downton Abbey." As is always the case when a favorite long running series ends, this final show left me with mixed emotions. The past six seasons gave us insight as to who and what we came from, and perhaps where we are heading...

Thirty years ago, one of my all time favorite movies, "Stand By Me," was released. Back then; the movie elicited a lot of nostalgic feelings for me. Three decades later, it still gives me bittersweet reflections of my own lost youth. A couple of weeks ago, I was on a visit to Seattle, Wash., to see family. ...

That's the title of one of the funniest "baseball" movies that Hollywood ever produced. Each year about this time, I begin to renew my own love affair with our original American pastime. I hope that one of the classic movie channels, reruns this hilarious movie...

Last week, I observed another birthday. As I am sure it is with many of you, this annual event is not as welcome at my age, as it was in my youthful years. I am contemplating a change in my calendar. I am considering choosing a tradition that was once very common in European countries, that of celebrating one's "Name Day."...

Last week, I purchased my regular "100 Percent Dark Roast Colombian Coffee," and once again, the container appears to have mysteriously diminished in size. As I fretted over this continually frustrating business/marketing practice, I took time to remember the famous former "watchdog" for such things, Andy Rooney!...

Early last Sunday morning, we lost a true giant of a man, George Douglas Doug "DAWG" Campbell. He was the closest of friends for over 40 years. His family and countless others mourn his passing. "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" This verse taken from the Book of Samuel, perhaps can relate to you the magnitude of our loss. Those words were spoken by King David, as he lamented the loss of one of Israel's greatest warrior generals...

I was surprised during this past Monday's Martin Luther King birthday holiday, when the Lifetime Network, aired a new mini series version, of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, "War and Peace." This timeless story is considered by many, to be the most famous novel ever written in any language...

American men my age have one compelling shared interest from our youth, and that is watching any movie, made in the old fashioned "Western" style. This past Monday, a group of my fellow seniors attended the newly released Golden Globe winning, "Revenant." It bought back a lot of old memories, about the American West...

This Friday is Christmas, and despite my best efforts to keep my dates and times straight, the long holiday weekend is going to make my calendar a confusing mess! If you are like me, your life is built around somewhat of a schedule. We organize our days, weeks, and months, into orderly segments. My calendar settles into a comfortable and repetitive routine. If and when it changes, due to the upheavals such as what the upcoming holidays present, I begin to loose perspective...

Most of my adult life, I have diligently practiced self-control when it came to shedding tears. I can remember crying and sobbing as a child, but at some point, I no longer felt comfortable boohooing as a method to display feelings of remorse, anger, sadness, pain, or even happiness. ...

Remember those letters you wrote to Santa Claus back during your grade school days? Don't you wish you could experience that same feeling again? That special time, as you so carefully wrote to Santa Claus, sending him your wish list for Christmas? I can clearly remember a few of those letters. ...

For many years, from the late 1960s though the early 1980s, that was a phrase I heard quite often. I umpired hundreds of men's and women's fast pitch softball games during that era. The heyday of that sport locally, has long since passed, but there is a memorial on the horizon...

That's the phrase that I expressed for years, following Thanksgiving dinner. I am a senior citizen now, and my ability to indulge and enjoy the greatest food holiday of the year, has diminished in direct relationship, to the passage of time. Aging presents so many troubling issues, but when the process takes away from one's culinary pleasure, that is downright immoral. I love good food, and the traditional fare at Thanksgiving, is definitely my favorite...

As I write this story, Missouri is fast approaching the end of its second full week of quail hunting. In the 17 years of writing this weekly column, stories about this challenging game bird, head up my most often used topic list. I awoke early Friday the 13th. When I looked at the weather app on my iPhone, the temperature outside was a brisk 28 degrees. My immediate reaction was to acknowledge, this would be a great day to go quail hunting...

On my recent first time trip to London, England, I was introduced to many sights. One venue that still exists in jolly old London is the "Mom and Pop" store. The nostalgia and variety of those tiny shops, reminded me of a time that we have lost here in Nevada...

In my younger years, there was a tremendous sense of optimism that was generated by our collective national venture, into what we referred to as "The New Frontier." After a protracted absence of both public and government support and interest, that energetic quest to explore space, appears to again be on the rise...

I am writing this week's article on Columbus Day. Five hundred and twenty-three years have passed since Columbus and his men arrived in what we refer to as "The New World." In world history, there have been few events that have impacted mankind more...

Tonight and tomorrow, some of my favorite people from the past will be in town. The NHS Class of 1965 is hosting its 50th class reunion. Even 50 years later, the same emotions and memories bring joy and sometimes consternation! This reunion elicited many thoughts for me. ...

On this day in 1966, General Motors and Chevrolet introduced their newest model car, "The Camaro." This was during the time, from the mid-60s through the early 70s, when a series of American auto offerings was developed, in what we now refer to as the era of the "Muscle Car!"...

In some recent posts on Facebook, several friends were verbally sparring over differing political viewpoints. Finally, a different Facebook friend posted a statement that attempted, so to speak, to try and "calm the waters." Sorry good friend that will probably never happen. ...

The PBS Channel 26 station from Springfield recently aired a special episode about one-room schools. It was a wonderful look back into that period of our country's educational history, and it reminded me of an article I wrote back in September of 2001. (Here is a portion of that story)...

Over the years, I have learned to temper my judgments and corresponding emotional reactions, when confronted with seemingly needless events, practices, or things that appear to be without reason. Having said that, there are often some issues that gnaw so relentlessly at my sense of well being, that I am compelled to speak out, or suffer the assured and irreparable damage to my soul. My list of unneeded stuff is lengthy...

Many years ago I wrote a column about school water fountains. Since school began again this week for most districts in our area, my next couple of articles will have an education theme. Today's story revisits two important school water fountains. The first school water fountain that made an impression on me at a very young age was located in the Bryan grade school cafeteria. ...

August, like any month of the year, has many distinct, identifiable properties. Common weather patterns appear during this second full month of summer, the most obvious being extreme heat. The atmosphere often takes on a particular set of qualities, that have been associated with the nickname, "Dog Days." August also has many activities and memories that are unique mostly to this month...

In recent years, I have written most of my stories about past local history. This week, I am addressing three local community issues, through the lens of "Pros and Cons." The first political concept I want to discuss is that of Vernon County's township system of government. In a recent letter to the editor, former State Representative Barney Fisher, detailed his standing on that issue...

One of my very first articles from back in the late 90s, was titled, "G.I. Cafe." I had spent quite a bit of research time in the library, locating all the Nevada eateries, from our community's history. One of the legends from that period was Vieth's Cafe. Giovanni's has recently opened its doors in the same location...

Those were the exact words I used last weekend, after chastising myself over a recent blunder. Even as I write these sentences and paragraphs, I can feel my ire rise again. Trying to forgive one's own shortcomings is perhaps the most difficult of tasks...

Editor's note: This is a reprint of a column from 2005. July 25, next month, would be my Grandmother's 113th birthday. She was a unique and memorable lady. She passed away just weeks before her 98th birthday in 1990. I always associate her birthday with her favorite summertime delight, watermelon...

"The Astronaut Wives Club" aired last week as a new summer television series. Time and the viewing practices of today's public, will determine if it is a success. Regardless, it reminded me once more, that the space program has been a big part of my life and that of our country...

For much of my life, I like many of you, had dreams of special future happenings. Many of those dreams were founded more in fantasy than reality, but were they ever such great comfort to my soul. Recently, I had to remind a dear friend, that their one very special dream was still relevant, even though they felt that the time for its fruition had perhaps passed...

This weekend, there will be lots of vintage cars and trucks appearing on our streets, during Bushwhacker Days. Some of the most sought after vehicles on display will be those from the era of the late 50s through the early 70s that are commonly called "Muscle Cars." I was once a devotee and owner of such a car, but I have for years now, longed for the economy car I passed over. It was my Grandfather's 1962, 4 door sedan, Nash Rambler...

Sixty years ago next month I visited Disneyland, during the summer of it's grand opening. Not only did I get to ride on the Mad Hatter Tea Party (cup and saucer ride as seen in the attached picture), I also experienced the first of my many trips across our American West...

It was exactly 50 years ago last Monday on Memorial Day, that I reclaimed a lost bet. On that 25th of May 1965, Heavyweight Champion of the World Muhammad Ali knocked out the former champion Sonny Liston, in the first round. I won an entire dollar on that fight! My connection to that fight and boxing can be traced far back into my early life...

It was early last Sunday morning, when I recalled a miniscule baseball character, "Sunday John Blanchard." The memory of him came to light, as I was once again practiced one of my baseball traditions, dating back over 50 years. It was Sunday, and I was headed to Kansas City, to watch a game between my beloved Kansas City Royals, and those "Damn N.Y. Yankees!"...

It was a humid dark Wednesday morning on May the 17th, 1995. I had stayed tuned to the Weather Channel all morning. There had been several severe weather warnings issued, but as the morning progressed, there appeared to be a break in the clouds. Unfortunately, that break was to be short lived...

In a recent conversation with a couple of friends, our discussion delved into the human condition of aging, and an individual's desire to accomplish many things, while they still had "time." Our discourse reminded me of a 50-year-old movie that had the same title as this story...

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary, of the fall of Saigon, Vietnam. That event signaled an end to one of our most contentious wars. Last weekend, I watched a show that depicted a group of Vietnamese children (now grown ups), who were miraculously evacuated, before the fall. As I flashed back in my mind, I remembered that this news story was in many ways, the last chapter, of one of the most turbulent periods, in American History...

The 2015 baseball season has just begun, and the pastime of my youth has fired my love once more. From our American League Champion, and World Series runner up, Kansas City Royals, to our local baseball and softball teams, there is more than enough action to whet my "Play Ball," appetite...

The letters R&R represent a very recognizable jargon in our culture and language. The initials are used with such regularity, that most of us never speak or write the actual words -- Rest and Relaxation. My own R&R has an additional personal translation -- "Reading and Rain!"...

During both of the World Wars of the last century, everyday Americans were asked to raise gardens to help the war effort. These became known as "Victory Gardens." The world is in another war now, and I think one of our greatest weapons just might be a return of these same types of home grown plots...

During my lifetime, many diverse non-family individuals have entered the stream of my life. Some have become lifelong friends. Others appeared, then after a time began to drift away. This collage of people has made for what one might refer to as -- "strange bedfellows!"...

About 31 years ago, the line in this title became an idiom of the American vernacular. The Wendy's fast food chain coined the phrase as part of a national campaign television ad strategy. Perhaps more importantly, it is a question that shines a light on, a very unique part of our American diet...

In my library I have a very old edition of Charles Dickens' novel, "David Copperfield." Dickens did not write this classic as a novel, but rather as a regular weekly "serial" installment for a newspaper. It is a tried and true style of entertainment that has existed for a very long time...

During a recent visit with some of my Cardiac Rehab partners at NRMC, the topic of spring garden planting was addressed. I think this topic developed because we finally had a break from our dreary winter. Much of the discussion centered around the many long-standing methods and practices involved in vegetable gardening...

There are countless people I know only by sight, and to whom, I give a "nod," in friendly greeting.This practice by myself and so many of our local citizens, is one of the perks, of living in a small town environment. Last Friday night, I attended the final home basketball games at Nevada High School. ...

(Editor's Note: This is the fifth installment of a series of articles on education) Fifty years ago last September, the Rolling Stones released one of their all time greatest singles, "Time Is on My Side." Recently, there are questionable ideas and plans being proffered at all levels of government in our country regarding education. Fortunately, like the title of that great old rock and roll song, we may still have time to prevent much of this from happening...

I was still in grade school when I asked that question, with some degree of trepidation. The actual situation was quite serious, and to this day I am surprised it never resulted in a serious accident. Teachers and retired teachers in Missouri often experience the same fear and ask the same question...

There is an idea being put forth, that would allow for parents to move their children from one school district to another. While this may seem reasonable to many, such a change in policy, could have a "Helter Skelter" effect. One course that every teacher in the state of Missouri is required to take in college is: "The History and Philosophy of Education." It gives each prospective teacher insights into the nuts and bolts of our country's educational systems...

We have all heard this old saying. It's so easy to understand, that we wonder why anyone would ever question its validity. This is my second education related article. Like the old saying, I feel we are being asked to put students into a system where they often simply don't fit...

After reading Walter Cochran's, Jan. 21, Letter to the Editor, I felt compelled to offer some personal insights. In a series of articles, I hope to advocate for our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our kids. I am the son of a career teacher in the Nevada R-5 School District. ...

In 1918, the world experienced a planet wide pandemic. This story is particularly relevant, because our nation is currently suffering through a severe flu epidemic. At the outset I think some proper definitions should be offered. Influenza is a disease caused by numerous rapidly mutating viral strains. It is characterized by respiratory symptoms and general prostration (extreme physical weakness)...

"It's under the seat of the car, and I have to have AAA come and jump start me".... those were the exact words my friend spoke to me in one of our recent catching up calls. The "It," referred to in this title sentence, was their car battery. My mind flashed a simple question immediately: Why in the world would anyone ever want to put a car battery, under the seat?...

This past weekend, there was a repeat airing of the 18 1/2 hour PBS and Ken Burns documentary series, "Baseball." This was one of Burns earliest history specials, and it was very appropriate to show again in honor of its 20th anniversary. I did not get to see all the segments of these reruns. ...

At the end of the year, I revisit my topic list for weekly columns. I always find an item or two that I liked, but they just didn't seem to warrant a full article. Here are two vastly different subjects, but I have chosen them to end this season together...

My ability to deal with winter and cold weather has decreased at the same rate as my age has increased. This story will be printed just a couple of days after the official first day of winter. I am already counting the days till spring! About the only solace I can take is that the days are now getting longer. I just hope that this is one of those milder winters that we sometimes have in this part of Missouri...

Sunday night, the HBO series "The Newsroom," aired its final episode. This ending was paradoxical for me. On the one hand, I was disappointed that such an interesting show was concluding, but at the same time realizing that the premise and content of the creators and writers, had effectively completed their mission...

Early this morning after deleting several dozen more online emails and Facebook advertisements, I let my thoughts return to my youthful memories of Christmas. The holidays I remember from those times seem much more personable. In past years I have written about the variety of local businesses that had wonderful Christmas displays. This was of course in the years before there were Wal-Marts and online shopping venues. More importantly, there were no UPS or FedEx home delivery systems...

My vision and faith in two of the pillars upon which I have based much of my life, were renewed earlier this week, when I watched a movie titled, "The Emperor's Club." First, a brief movie review is appropriate. The movie has been around for some time, having been originally released in 2002. ...

We've been setting record low temperatures this November, and I for one have a simple and easy remedy for our tormented souls, resulting from this early and painful return to winter. I'm going to take you once again to the warm waters of my youth, at the legendary Radio Springs Swimming Pool...

I attended the memorial service for the mother of a long-time friend this past week. During the service, as is often my wont, my mind began to reflect upon the passing of this woman, her family, her friends, and the entire process of the funeral. I wanted to share some of these musings with you...

In a school group exercise many years ago, we were asked to see how accurate our memory of a story could be. The results of that event left all of us a bit ashamed of our inability to accurately retell the chronology of the tale. Today's 24-hour news media, and the unrestricted world of cyberspace, is just as unreliable...

This past weekend all of my senses reminded me that fall had finally arrived. It was a series of events and things that made me have feelings of ambivalence about this yearly change of seasons. On the one hand I relished the coming of the autumnal period, while at the same time experiencing some dread and apprehension...

Tuesday, the United States will conduct another national Election Day. It is what we refer to as an "off year election," which means that there are no candidates running for president. Elections are so important to our democratic way of life that I have always felt that the right to vote was really more of a duty than a privilege...

A week from today, we will celebrate Halloween again. In the past I have written stories about my memories of this holiday. It has always been one of my favorite festive galas. When I was 10 years old, my best friend and I displayed costumes that, by today's standards, would not be politically correct!!...

Last August, when I went to vote in the General Primary Election, my ballot had numerous amendment proposals to vote for or against. This November 4, we will again have more amendments to consider. Good or bad, I am voting against all of them, strictly for constitutional reasons...

The happenings of the past few days have certainly brought out all the sports fans in our area. From the diehards like me, who have made our involvements in sports, games, and recreational events, our main hobbies in life, to the infrequent followers of these physical diversions, we have come together in celebration of the feats of our beloved teams...

Recently, I was looking through some old microfilm archived pictures from the paper, taken during the '50s and '60s. In the collection, I noted one of our former, very common local infrastructure items, a long silver-gray, slotted bike rack. Racks like this one could be found at a variety of locations in my youth. A favorite of mine was the one located in front of Flory's Drug Store...

The sports news world is on fire over the Ray Rice spousal abuse scandal. It is a distasteful episode that has scarred our largest national sports pastime. The sad part of this story is that we are all to blame, and none of us want to hear that, because "you can't handle the truth!"...

"Odie, turn on channel 19, there is a Charles Gusewelle special on." That was my entreaty to my friend and long time devotee of the author and columnist for the Kansas City Star, Charles Gusewelle. Little did I realize at the time, that this special show would hit so close to home, and especially to one of my favorite restaurants, which Gusewelle described as the "best little eatery this side of Paris!"...

During a recent visit with a couple of friends, we discussed the philosophy of the modern day practice of texting. That conversation led to a wide range of related topics about the meaning of words, and how long they remained in one's life. It was soon evident to us, that once spoken, written, texted, or aired, any utterance takes on its very own existence...

Much of my youth was spent moving from one home to another, and each time our family had to "purge" our collection of what we thought was valuable, to facilitate the process. Like most people, I still try to rid myself through regular purging, of a variety of unwanted things in my life, but as with many of you, I still possess an annoying and huge "hoarded" menagerie...

In the novel "Centennial," James Michener uses the character of an Arapaho Indian woman named Blue Leaf, to show the unique method the American Plains Indians practiced, for the end of life. It is so different from our culture and values, but it is far from being uncivilized...

The world is observing the events leading up to the First World War, which took place 100 years ago this summer. In the years leading up to that war, there was a love story that will last for all time. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire was a huge conglomeration of different geographical locations in central and eastern Europe...

Three years ago, during the dog days of summer, I wrote the column "Cruising." Here are some more memories from those "Nevada/American Graffiti" days. As I mentioned in that first story, we had a regular route for our local cruise. Everyone knew the way, and waving, honking, and OMG "mooning," were common sights on the trek...

A friend of mine recently related an experience where they discovered that a cabin they rented had an open shower with no curtains or shower doors. This triggered in my memory a similar shower from my youth. That shower was in the basement of the first home I ever remember, a place of many diverse and interesting apparatuses...

For the second time in the past few days, I was awakened by booming thunder and the steady cadence of rain showers pounding on the roof and windows. My lifelong affinity for thunderstorms made sleeping a delightful experience. As a kid I loved rain storms, as they allowed me to accomplish one of my favorite activities: wading...

In 1963 I was introduced to one of America's great mystery venues, the Winchester Mansion. Located in San Jose, Calif., it was a destination that as a young boy, I felt would be totally boring. To my utter amazement, what I assumed was going to be another of those tedious adult treks that I was forced to endure became instead one of my all-time favorite historical landmarks...

Several years ago, I was unable to find my college diploma and transcripts. They had been left in what I assumed to be a safe place, a box with other important materials. This loss initiated an intense search on my part that lasted for several more years...

Last Friday, June the 6th, was the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy. I arose early to watch the ceremonies, and was amazed at how many still living veterans had made the return trip to France. It is a day that transformed America and the world, but more importantly it forever changed the young men who were part of that war...

I received an updated credit card in the mail. It was the same card type, same account number, and my name was the same. Activating the new card should have been child's play, but like so many recent technological wonders, it was anything but. There have been so many changes during my life that at times, it is confusing...

Eight years ago, I wrote a column called "Mad as Hell!" My title paragraph referenced the 1976 multiple Academy Awards winning movie, "Network." A movie, perhaps best remembered for the one line from Best Actor, Peter Finch, "I'm mad, I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" Like Finch, I find I am still mad as hell too, are you?...

One of my favorite playground apparatuses as a kid, was the teeter-totter. It is also known by the name, seesaw. My dictionary defines it as: "a plank balanced at the middle, in which two children alternately ride up and down." Our country's leaders at all levels of government are currently trying to teeter-totter a way to balance our lowest form of worker pay, known as the minimum wage...

I was in the process of searching online for some summer golf apparel, when I paused to ponder all the changes that have occurred in the ways I have browsed and purchased goods during the span of my life. Is there any segment of our lives that has seen more transformations?...

The title of this article is perhaps the most appropriate synonym for the word I really intended to use: scab. An encrustation or scab is what forms over a sore or wound during healing. Unfortunately, humans all too often tear away the scab before the mending is complete...

It's that time of year again, when those of us who have lived all our lives in "tornado alley," begin to pay a lot more attention to weather. When I was a kid, my Grandparents had one of the only basements in our neighborhood. It became the unofficial adjacent "storm shelter," for everyone who wanted to join us, during a severe storm...

Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers swept two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, to open the 2014 Major League Baseball season. The summer pastime is here again, and it makes me want to grab my old baseball glove. Like almost every red-blooded American boy, in my youth I had my all-time favorite glove. Nothing I will ever possess can ever hold more reverence for me, than that glove...

During a weekend visit to a friend's home, I let my mind wander, as I intently watched the beauty of his fireplace. When it was time for sleep, I passed on the offer of a nice bedroom, preferring instead, to sleep on a comfortable couch, to remain in clear view, of that wondrous miracle of life, an overnight, ember-based wood fire...

My love of sports has been a life long affair, that has often been more about failure than success. I have rooted for, and been faithful to, some of the worst performing sports persons and teams in history. This devotion goes all the way back to my childhood years, and my tenure as a fan of, "Dem Bums," the infamous Brooklyn Dodgers...

It is the last week of February, and I think we deserve a break of some kind. According to the Weather Channel, this is the longest period of cold weather, covering the largest portion of our country, since 1977. We were given a brief reprieve last week, but here we go again. The best medicine I can prescribe to alleviate our collective cases of "cabin fever," is a warm up story...

Late Saturday morning while channel surfing, I tuned my television to watch a wonderful movie, "The Big Country." Like its title, this movie was big, in all its varied aspects. It was a shining example of what we have come to know as the old fashioned American standard -- a "Western!"...

It's the day for love again. Valentine's Day is the one holiday each year, when romance is in the air. There will be wonderful gifts and cards, and many fancy dinners. My favorite Valentine's Days were long, long ago. I was in the fifth grade at Bryan Elementary School, here in Nevada. Our teachers had helped us plan a Valentine's Day that I still remember...

Over the next week, there will be countless media events and honors for "The Beatles." They will tell you the history of the group, and about all the records they hold in the music industry. I will be watching everything that I can, because those four young men from Liverpool played a big part in my own life. Here is how I remember them...

Sunday, I was channel surfing, when I happened to see that one of my all time favorite movies, "Pride of The Yankees," was on. The movie was about halfway through, but I knew two things immediately. First, I would watch it to the very end, and I would cry all the way through the last few scenes...

My grandmother, Helen Hart, prided herself on being a good cook. In her country style kitchen during my early childhood years, you were treated to many sights and smells. Memories of that kitchen brings warm thoughts to me during this long winter. Her kitchen was old style. ...

In grocery stores all over our town and around the country, we once had a startup position for young boys, known simply by the job title, "bottle boy." This occupation may have had a simple sounding title, but it was far from lacking in importance...

Annette Funicello passed away this past year. She was for me, and for millions of guys my age, our first television crush. She heads my personal sad list of 10 people whom we lost in 2013. All of these individuals had an impact on my life, as I am sure they did for many of you...

It's now official, although the forecast was promising we did not have have a "White Christmas" in 2013. I can remember when I was really disappointed if there was no snow on the ground for the holidays, but now, I don't find it nearly so appealing. Still, my memories of so many activities from long past are a pleasant reminder of my youthful days...