Commentary

By Pete Abington

This past Tuesday Americans hit the reset button and said, “We’ve had enough.” Donald Trump defied all the polls, predictions, prognoses and won the election to be president of the United States. What a race. We are all exhausted. Let’s reflect at some of the comments and innuendos that took place: #1. The Bush Family turned their back on Jeb Bush committing along with 17 others that they would back the Republican ticket, no matter what. They refused, as well as some others, to back Donald Trump. Maybe with this selection we have gotten rid of the Clinton’s, once and for all, as well as the Bush’s.

By Pete Abington

Fifty years ago, (November 1, 1966) the National Football League awarded the 16th franchise to New Orleans and the Saints have been marching in ever since. Of course, politics had a big part in this deal. The National Football League pays taxes through its various money-making offshoots such as NFL Properties and NFL Ventures. The league office in midtown Manhattan, doesn’t pay taxes.  

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition 

By Donna smith ammons

In the 90’s our family was fans of the Chicago Cubs. We didn’t miss a broadcast on television. In fact, I even had a Cubs t-shirt. We all had favorite players and mine was Ryne Sandberg, the third baseman, who wore #23. He was a Cubs’ legend, who played for 15 seasons (1982-95 and 1996-97). His career record was 1.061 runs batted in; 282 homeruns and 2,386 hits. Sandberg retired in 1994 and was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2013, he became interim manager and then manager until 2016. He resigned when the Cubs’ record was a horrible 26-48. This year he came back as Team Ambassador and threw out the first pitch of one of the World Series games last week. 

By donna smith ammons

It is strange what women can dig out of their purses. (No wonder they are so big these days!) Among my wallet, checkbook, make-up, sunglasses and cell phone, I can always come up with a pile of store receipts, gum wrappers, pens that have run out of ink and notes. It’s the notes that drive me nuts!! Whenever I have an idea, or someone shares a story idea with me in the middle of shopping, I write it down. I grab the first thing I can find to write on….backs of checks, wrappers, church bulletins, and every once in a while, a piece of paper. I am forever thinking I am going to add a small tablet in my purse.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition 

By Pete Abington

This is a very brief opinion on the amendments that will be up for vote on November 8th. You might be well to read upon them yourself if there is any interest. Several people have asked that I comment. There are six constitutional changes on the ballot: #1. Calling for more qualifications for applicants and guidelines for hiring to be a Registrar of Voters. Applicants would need a degree and work experience, seven years of full time work without a degree, five years of full time work in a Louisiana registrar’s office. Parishes will also be required to make residents aware of this vacancy. Vote Yes.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition 

By donna smith ammons

I believe in ghosts. I do believe I’ve seen some in my lifetime, but that’s another story. With that said, I willingly toured a haunted, eight-sided mansion named Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi. Hubby-dear and I met Lexie and Paul in Mississippi for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. We saw colorful hot air balloons up close on the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi and again the next morning, as they floated by our windows at The Briars—a bed and breakfast where we stayed. They were magnificent!! WE shopped in antique stores, took time out for coffee (and milkshakes) at the Natchez Coffee Company, listened to bands at the festival, took a drive through the city looking at old homes, enjoyed a wonderful meal at Dunleigh Plantation, and toured two lovely homes—Melrose and Longwood. 

By Donna Smith Ammons

My doctor is a rock star!!! 

For years I’ve heard about a rock band that was composed of five high school boys who formed a band. Since I didn’t attend high school in Many, so I could only depend on what others had told me. After moving to Many, we searched for a family doctor and entrusted our health to Dr. Richard Oosta. Needless to say, his oldest daughter and I became besties. Dr. O. was always there for me----like when Daddy was diagnosed with cancer. He let me sit in his office one afternoon and after explaining what was going to happen, he let me cry. Over the years he took good care of me…. and when I had my gall bladder out, Kathy insisted her assist in the surgery…..so he could save me if something went wrong!! When he retired, he suggested I go to a new doctor in town….. Dr. Jack Corley. So my health has been in the hands of this YOUNG doctor for years.

By Pete Abington

Governor John Bel Edwards recently appointed the Restore Louisiana Task Force - one of the most influential government-created bodies in the state - that you probably know the least about. The Task Force was established to set priorities for the recovery and redevelopment of parishes (all but ten) that were affected by the flooding in March and August. The Governor appointed the membership and voters and residents of the state are demanding swift and decisive leadership as well.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition 

by donna smith ammons

Gibbs, my cat, has become quite the hunter in recent weeks. If a bug or moth happens to get into the house, he’s on it! Just recently he knocked over by glass of water as he stalked a little moth. One time in recent months I came home and the lamp was on the floor, along with a bunch of my papers. In knew he had been on a mission. This morning, as I was typing some stories, I heard him meow at the back door. I went to answer his call and he had a huge frog on the porch. I praised him and within a minute, the frog leaped off the porch. I was reduced to giggles, as the frog jumped and so did the cat.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition 

By Pete Abington

The establishment, Washingtonians, professional politicians, or whatever you want to call them, are about to go bananas to stop Trump. He has made several grave errors, but he keeps coming back. Have you ever given it some thought as to why he does? First of all, he is not a professional politician and his remarks are not politically thought out. He has been in business for many years and his tax returns and history has not been politically cleansed.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition