Letter to the Editor: Sidewalks need repair

It was a year ago in March when I wrote a letter to The Democrat about when I fell on a city sidewalk and injured my right hand. The accident happened on North Cumberland Street, where there is a section of broken sidewalk.

Xavier Smith: Find your art

I love the fact art is subjective. Two people can view or listen to the same piece of art, such as a song, and interpret and feel two completely different things. Those two feelings may also differ from the artists’ own feeling while making the piece.

Steve and Cokie Roberts: A rare moment of sanity

Yes, the bill is highly unlikely to become law. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he won’t even bring it to the Senate floor, and if it somehow passed Congress, Trump would certainly veto it. But a serious debate on Capitol Hill would sound a loud, clear warning to the White House: Don’t mess with Mueller.

J.C. Bowman: Special teachers

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, requires every student have what’s known as an individualized education program. The IEP involves hours and hours of filling out forms and writing reports documenting each student’s progress. Recently, the Tennessee Board of Education, in the name of greater transparency, has proposed a rule that may actually create more problems for special education teachers.

Sarah Haston: Is local sustainability connected to social media rants?

Dear Abby: Revelations about man’s past cloud hopes for bright future

I want to believe he’s the man I thought he was and that he would never disrespect me, but this was a huge blow. Should I try to move past this by giving him credit for his honesty? – DUMBSTRUCK IN CHICAGO

John McMillin: Prescription savings help at most basic levels

Consider that amount for a moment. Imagine the help this brings to an individual or a family. Savings means extra money for food, shelter, clothing…the basic necessities of life. Not to mention that some people regularly miss out on needed prescriptions because they have to make a choice of what absolutely has to be purchased.

Jack McCall: The woes of mishaps as a child

All kinds of mishaps happen while one is growing up in a large family. My father was the oldest of nine. I am the second of five. And every child seems accident prone in different arenas. 

The reversal of roles

I am looking back to the many years I spent in Florida. I remember the exodus of seniors driving happily from the North, Midwest and anywhere else where ice and snow fell during the winter.

Barbara Bush continues to set an example in death as in life

Tuesday night, we lost an inspiring figure in our political world. Former First Lady Barbara Bush was known and respected for her strong spirit even by those she disagreed with. She always stood up for her beliefs, refusing to be swayed by the tides of political popularity, even within her own party.

Dear Abby: Family judges pretty woman’s boyfriend on his looks alone

My last boyfriend was very good-looking but turned out to be a horrible person. He assaulted me, dumped me on the side of a highway and stole my car. Fortunately, a passerby stopped and helped me. After getting a restraining order and going to court, I decided my next boyfriend would be a good-hearted man with character regardless of his looks. Should I confront my family about their comments? — GENUINELY HAPPY

Dads2dads: Getting the brush off

It is ironic in a way. We often hear about dads who are too busy to give their children any attention. Because of his job, social engagements or sports appointments on television, some dads just don’t seem to have space in their lives for anyone else.

Nancy Evins: You can count to 13 and 40, but can you count to both at the same time?

Well, I sure can’t, and I envy those of you who can. I had never heard of the concept of counting anything but the points in your own hand and the number of cards you were dealt.

Telling Tales: Let the games begin...

Leggings and big sweaters were all well and good up until around mid-April when you could pass them off with a slight of hand and an, “Oh, I didn’t realize it was going to be so warm today. It’s been cold all week.”

Ann Haney: Score big at Kroger each weekend

Maybe you’ve noticed for some time now Kroger has offered a “Free Friday Digital Download.” You’ve seen it on the end cap in the store but never knew how to take advantage of this full-size free item every week.