As the presidential campaign enters its final two weeks, the mud has really begun to fly.  This is typical when a campaign is close.  I began to wonder, “Who comes up with this stuff?” And, as a crack reporter, I decided to find out.

Howard R. “Spud” Chrisley never let the affects of polio stop him from leading an active life. The Max Meadows resident married, fathered two children and held a steady job for 30 years.
Chrisley was recently named Participant of the Year by the Appalachian Independence Center Inc., which promotes full participation in society by people with disabilities. He was chosen for exemplifying the spirit of independent living.

At the Wytheville Community College Fall Esprit on October 8th, it was a pleasure to see my favorite local band, Lucky 65, whose concert served as the event’s main attraction.  With the departure of bassist Mindy Jackson, the band is still in search of a full-time replacement.  Filling in for this particular show was their good friend, Drivn bass player, Ben Caudill.  This electrifying performance was their last for the year and it is safe to say that they have ended 2008 on an extremely high note.  First of all, the release of their debut self-titled CD was highly successful.  Secondly, the band their first music video for their original song, “Lights Out.” After making the video at VPS Studios in Roanoke, they were approached by station producers about shooting a local promotional ad for the popular sitcom, “Two and a Half Men,” starring Charlie Sheen.  They readily agreed and the ad is expected to be airing on FOX by the time this column is published. 

Tots who are in the age range of 2-5 year olds MUST BE CLOSELY SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES.  The responsibility rests totally on YOU the parent or guardian to ensure safety and not on Tot.  When speaking to Tots, it is essential that you give your Tot the information and provide the security needed for them to feel safe and secure without frightening Tot.  It is very important to gradually begin emphasizing safety lessons using the rules and reminding before an occasion may arise rather than a constant harassment of warnings and threats.  Safety lessons can be taught by using puppets, situational role playing, and by telling stories and coloring to emphasis points you wish to instill in your Tot.  Always remember the word “Stranger” rhymes and denotes danger.  It can also be defined as a friend you haven’t met as yet. 

Daytona may have its Daytona 500 with 40 to 50 drivers competing for a chance to spend the day hurtling down the speedway for 500 miles at speeds up to 200+ miles per hour and huge amounts of cash for the winner. Indianapolis may offer huge paydays for the 33 drivers to wheel through the “Brickyard” in tiny “Indy” cars at speeds well over 200 mph, during the Indianapolis 500.  In Louisville, Kentucky, as many as 23 horses have run hoping to win big bucks in a race that normally takes around two minutes to complete.

When I think about conspicuous consumption, I think about my pocketbooks. I have too many.  I also have multiple bags working at one time.

Huge digital signs have recently been erected on I-81 throughout Southwest Virginia.  These signs can be used to alert motorists to accidents and road construction ahead, spread an Amber Alert for a missing child, and re-direct traffic in times of emergency.  When nothing is going on, they spell out catchy slogans like “Be ready.  Be buckled” or “Click it or ticket.”

My retirement statement arrived in the mail yesterday. I chose not to open it when I saw that it came enclosed in a sympathy card, a very cheap sympathy card.

One of the few good things I can find about this time of year is that with Thanksgiving coming soon we begin to see cranberries everywhere. Now that may not mean much to most folks, but I love cranberries. Yes, I love cranberry sauce with Thanksgiving dinner. The taste is wonderful and provides a perfect complement for turkey and dressing.

I consider myself a “green.” I recycle anything I can.  I re-use plastic bags from Kroger as trash can liners.  I save those dark blue plastic bags from the liquor store and take them back to be refilled.  I figure, the more plastic bags that I recycle, the fewer plastic trees that need to be cut down.