New media (tentatively named)—JP McDaniel

Yes, it’s true. For my first swing at what can only be deemed as a wild attempt at journalism/writing, I have decided to tackle that often discussed and debated issue of the mainstream media and reporting and its struggles to keep up with technology and “the new media”.

But first some guidelines: This is not a Conservative v. Liberal media piece, so please leave that bag at the door. But don’t think that my politics don’t enter into my thinking, it does. Politics, like religion or world view, are secondary layers in this onion of a piece (onion = metaphor, not the hilarious, cultural satirist website). For today, however, we are only dealing with the primary outer layers of the media as a whole and...read more

To the Oppressed, Marginalized, Down-Trodden, Discriminated and Vilified,—JP McDaniel

This is an open letter from an open soul. A soul clothed in the flesh of the majority. A soul that earnestly and honestly looks upon the history of the past. A past of ugliness and atrocities. Of racism, sexism, hate and fear. A past where those of his race, sex, religion, orientation, and socio-economic class consciously and subconsciously lived lives of exploitation, corruption, and bigotry. And it tears the very fabric of his being to recount and...read more

Please, raise children with proper manners—Elizabeth Pancamo

Did something happen along the way to make people think it was acceptable to chew with their mouths open, interrupt conversations, shout across a restaurant, etc.? Many of us have had similar experiences of holding a door for someone and...read more

President Obama's September 8th speech exactly what students need to hear—Mike Johnson

President Obama's September 8th speech to students of America struck a chord with a lot of people. Some people even commented that the speech was used as a brainwashing tool to get the younger generation to do the government's work or to follow blindly and accept the policies our government wants to put into place. One such example is...read more

Where have all the manners gone?—Jon Schuller

As Americans we treasure and protect our Right of Free Speech. Even if means allowing hate groups to gather and march down Main Street while the good citizens watch behind police barricades. This freedom to speak one’s mind has...read more

Gracious hosts should not make monetary gifts a requirement for attendance—Elizabeth Pancamo

Being a gracious guest can be challenging for me. I have a sometimes troublesome (yet, entertaining -?-) habit of blurting out sharp tongued comments and one liners, especially when attending what my mother would have said to be vulgar, if not tacky events. I bite my tongue, however, as I realize that so many people just don't know any better. So, I do my best to be polite, as frustrating a practice as that can be...read more

Don't let your neighbors go hungry—Elizabeth Pancamo

This article may be considered my own little PSA, but it's been something on my mind recently. While researching this, I quickly learned that September is Hunger Action Month. News to me! I began to...read more

School is important dads but let your children play—Mike Johnson

The debate begins: cast iron versus non-stick and other cookware—Elizabeth Pancamo

Being in need of inspiration, where else would any half witted aspiring writer look in this time of technology and social networking? Facebook, of course!

Quite the unscientific research was underway via my wall post, and responses came in as direct comments, the more private portal of my Facebook “inbox,” and even spilling over into email. Food, and so much related to it seems to be just as much a part of me as breathing. From the looks of...read more

What are your Thanksgiving "must haves"?—Elizabeth Pancamo

READERS: Publish your comments to this article!

Halloween is upon us, yet thoughts of more substantial holidays are carrying much more influence. Spending some time in a local home improvement store sparked the embers that smolder all year long for everything related to decorating, food, and entertaining over the roughly six weeks that comprise “The Holidays.” Being accompanied by a wide-eyed 4-year-old helps a bit in that department, too. The ridiculously enormous, inflatable yard ornaments, pre-lit Christmas trees, and musical displays caught his fancy, while I took...read more

Butternut Squash soup—Elizabeth Pancamo

The autumn chill is definitely in the air (snow has already made an appearance in some parts of the country.) With the chill comes a yearning for foods that provide that soul warming effect. The first food that comes to mind for me...read more

Halloween on a Saturday this year...could be fun—Elizabeth Pancamo

Truth be known, I don’t care one bit for Halloween. Being the mother of three boys, however, I have no intention of depriving them of celebrating this holiday of Pagan origins. Although, the opportunity to plan for ways to entertain, or prepare food, and to get creative in decorating my front porch is always welcome. It’s the annoyance of...read more

Now I want to have a dinner party?—Elizabeth Pancamo

This time of year my tastes are wandering into a territory that should likely be reserved for evenings when nothing short of a crackling fire (whether indoors or out) will do. Right away, I imagine warming glasses of red wine complementing wonderfully rich and satisfying meals, enhanced by the amber glow of flames. Uh, oh. Now I’m in the mood to plan a party...read more

Chicken Marbella—Elizabeth Pancamo

Food, thoughts of food, and combinations of flavors rarely never leave my mind. Even in the most unexpected places, something to do with food pops up, and I am drawn to it. Facebook isn’t even a safe haven, should I ever feel the need to escape my visions of anything epicurean. I have acquired a handful of friends on Facebook with whom questions, suggestions, recipes, and entire party ideas are routinely exchanged. Perhaps it would come as no surprise that...read more

An apple for the teacher—Elizabeth Pancamo

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." "There's always one bad apple in every bunch." "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." "Let's not compare apples to oranges." "Don't upset the apple cart." And, lest we forget Peter Brady...read more

Italian rice balls—Elizabeth Pancamo

I discovered something early on in my kitchen experiences — I rarely, if at all, follow a recipe. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have probably over 100 cookbooks, not to mention the hundreds of handwritten and clipped recipes kept in various books and binders. I will follow a recipe exactly when baking, but otherwise, I usually just... read more

End of summer sirens—Elizabeth Pancamo

This is my favorite time of the month. The time when my new food magazines arrive! I pour over them almost as soon as I pull them from the mailbox, taking mental notes over what looks good, interesting, and...read more

Surprises from the pantry—Elizabeth Pancamo

One my family's "comfort foods" made me consider how some of the very common ingredients kept in my pantry make some dishes really great. They could be mixed in, sprinkled on top, just a coating, or even as a pie crust. Here are my favorites, the various ways they can be used, and not necessarily...read more

The party will flow with your mood—Elizabeth Pancamo

A gathering, whether just some family, friends, or a larger party—it doesn't matter, but things simply need to flow, as though assuming a rhythm from beginning to end. Almost like telling a story, with an introduction, a beginning, a middle, building to a climax, and hopefully...read more

Auditions and interviews—Jon Schuller

As an actor I’d like to share some observations about the similarities between auditioning for a play and interviewing for a job. I’ve recently returned to acting, including a recent film, and maybe some advice will help both actors and job-seekers.

I realize that under today’s stressful economic conditions just getting an actual interview is more difficult than ever. But someone once observed that...read more