Publisher’s Columns 2008
Publisher’s Columns: 2008
by Sandy Bailey Lipten
November
Thinking of You…Yes, You!
October
20 Years
September
Donkeys and Elephants Unite!
August
The Dog Days of Summer
I’ve heard it said that redheads have fewer sweat glands than other people do. Perhaps that’s why I have never adapted to Florida’s long, hot summers, though I’ve lived here for years. When I get overheated, I can’t seem to cool down like those lucky people whose bodies know how to perspire. Thus, as our summer months wear on—all six of them!—I go outdoors less and less, my excursions a series of scurries between air-conditioned spaces. In between, I sleep too much, accomplish too little, and ponder too grumpily the meaning of a fully climate-controlled existence…continue reading
July
Powers Far Beyond Those of Mortal Brothers…
Poor Sam. The wallpaper in his bedroom was really too juvenile for him when we moved into this house six years ago, back when he was 12. We told him that it would go, just as soon as we finished stripping the walls in his sister’s room. But it was Sam’s misfortune to be second in line after a project that proved unexpectedly grueling…continue reading
June
E-mail: My Online Lifeline
Whenever I happen to mention to my folks that I’m trying to come up with a column for Our Town, my mom always tosses out a couple of ideas. Unfortunately, I usually toss them right back. But this month, Mom had an idea that struck a chord with me. “Why don’t write about how “Computer” has changed your life?” she asked. (This is how my mother refers to technology. It’s not “the computer” or “computers” — it’s “Computer” with a capital C. “Computer” is her enemy, though she puts hers to good use in spite of her distaste. I admire this…but I digress.) …continue reading
May (Mark wrote this one!)
Mr. Sunshine Goes to the E.R. - Part 2
Last month, my wife wrote about my recent visit to the emergency room. In case you’ve forgotten or didn’t read last month’s column, here’s what happened: I laughed so hard at a joke my son told that I passed out at the dinner table and was taken by ambulance to Florida
Hospital. After a night of tests and a follow-up with my family doctor and cardiologist, I’m happy to say that all is well. For good measure, I also had a full annual physical and a dermatological exam. Still doing fine for a 50 year old — and that’s inside and out, which I verified when I also had my first colonoscopy, which was a breeze (and I don’t just mean the breezy back of the hospital gown!) …continue reading
April
Mr. Sunshine Goes to the E.R.
I am married to a happy man. Unfortunately, I can’t claim much credit for this, because Mark was born happy. His childhood nickname was “Sunshine,” for heaven’s sake! (Mine was “Calamity Jane,” but that’s another story.) I have written previously about his lack of worry, his enthusiasm for any outing, the way he wakes up smiling. But I have not yet written about the laugh…continue reading
March
Learning Spanish with Pierre
Three months ago, I decided to learn Spanish. This desire didn’t feel like a passing fancy, so I invested in the pricey but acclaimed Pimsleur audio series and started doing thirty minutes of listening and speaking every day.I know that it is usually more difficult for an adult to learn a second language than it is for a child. But with the excellent Pimsleur system and my strong commitment, I figured I could beat the odds. Unfortunately, I encountered an obstacle I hadn’t anticipated. In accessing my brain’s foreign language center, I awakened a cranky troll who had been slumbering there for thirty years…continue reading
February
“Haply I Think on Thee”…Think Good Thoughts!
Every night, just before my husband goes to sleep, he says the same words to me: “Think good thoughts.” And then he’s out, without any thoughts at all. He falls asleep instantly, a talent for which I’d gladly trade a few of my molars, my red hair, maybe even indoor plumbing. I must lie there and wait for sleep…continue reading
January
The Purple Notebook, Revisited
This is a rerun from two years ago, a 1o-year anniversary column. Now we’ve had a dozen years in business, thanks to people like you who read our little paper. Happy New Year!
Ten years! With this month’s editions, Our Town has been in business 10 whole years! Don’t worry, though — this isn’t one of those self-congratulatory messages that assumes you care about our milestone. Still, numbers ending in zero do have an effect on most of us, so I’ve been reviewing the highlights of the decade. It’s easy to do, thanks to my most prized possession, a certain purple spiral notebook…continue reading
For previous years’ columns, click here. LINK NOT YET ACTIVE
