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Technology tricks us, but we are our own gadgets

I recently forgot that I have a neck. It happened as I backed out of a grocery store parking space. I noticed my car’s rearview camera lens was so dirty that I could no longer see through it. I started to panic, worried I was going to hit someone. But I was already halfway out of the spot! It was hopeless! What could I do? “Wait,” I suddenly realized. “I can just … turn my head and look behind me.” It turns out that, all along, my head has been equipped with its very own rearview camera. But that’s how technology works. We think it makes our lives easier, but it ...

The Sinking of the Dorchester

As we reflect on Memorial Day and its significance, I would like to invite you to join me as we turn our attention to one brave man, born in Lewistown, Chaplain George L. Fox. Chaplain Fox, along with three other Army chaplains, made the ultimate sacrifice during World War ll, giving up his life for others. His story is an inspirational one filled with compassion, commitment, and bravery. The four met at Chaplain’s School at Harvard University and although they came from different denominations, they quickly became friends. The story begins on January 23, 1943, when the S.S. ...

Honoring America’s fallen heroes

On Memorial Day, we recognize and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our freedom. Solemn ceremonies pay tribute to men and women who remain forever young in service to their country. It is sobering to think of the thousands whose names we may not know giving the “last full measure of devotion” for millions of others they would never meet. Sacrifice. Our history has no shortage. Its true definition can be ascertained by reflecting on every American conflict from the Revolution to present-day military involvement. Our traditions link the past to ...

Things I miss … back in the day

• The days we kept track of RBIs (yes it’s runs batted in, so it’s plural), home runs and batting average. Not exit velocity and bat speed. • When players played. Not took off a quarter of every season off for some contrived term called “load management,” and then got hurt and missed the playoffs anyway. • When pro golfers looked more like the guys at your local muny — a little wobbly in the middle but loaded with personality. Not the GQ crew that dot the fairways now with every one named Harrison, Justin or Cameron. • When they just showed highlights on ESPN, and ...

When the minors almost came to Milroy

Long before the State College Spikes and the Altoona Curve, there were the Central Penn Railraiders. Well, that was supposed to be a minor league baseball team. Don’t remember them? Not surprising, they never played a ballgame. Back in the 1990s, a group of businessmen wanted to bring an independent team to Armagh Memorial Field in Milroy. A pipedream? Possibly. The reality of their pitch – the business plan and not the ones made by ballplayers – was that Armagh Field would be renovated while still being shared with the Mifflin County Babe Ruth League. The prospective owners ...

Are tickets really worth the money?

Ah, it’s concert season. You’ve scored tickets to see your favorite artist perform live. Maybe it’s Taylor Swift, or possibly it’s Bruno Mars. Or you’re headed to see Metallica or Aerosmith. You’ll probably buy a $70 sweatshirt or $45 T-shirt and two drinks and nachos at the concert. You scream for whatever it’s worth. Afterward, with your adrenaline still pumping, you’ll sit in traffic for what seems like hours waiting to leave. Life is good. With summer approaching, it’s time for the concert season to blast into high gear with music festivals and artist tours ...