Seeing things from the other side of the looking glass by Lu Lewis and Edna Varner Everybody has a list — losing weight, gaining confidence, improving relationships, or saving money at the supermarket. We recently discussed a US News and World Report article, “50 Ways to Improve Your Life.”  The tips were worth the price [...]

THE PILE HIGH CLUB by Alison Lebovitz Hello, my name is Alison, and I am a pile-oholic. It has been twenty-one days since my last pile and I truly believe that I am finally on a path towards a clutter-free life. When I was twenty-four and living in Chicago, my best friend took me to [...]

Secrets, signals, spies and ciphers by Jennifer Crutchfield Secrets and spies are a staple of war, ferreting out facts and cloaking figures in disinformation.   As America entered the war between brothers an official spy network was not in place.  During the first few years of conflict espionage efforts were characterized by dramatic figures with [...]

Ten Terrific Award Winning Books Raschka, Chris.  A Ball for Daisy.  In this wordless book, Daisy’s beloved ball is destroyed.  2012 Caldecott Medal.  (PreK – 1st) McDonnell, Patrick.  Me…Jane.  Young Jane Goodall and her toy chimpanzee explore their world.  2012 Caldecott Honor Book  (PreK – 2nd) Smith, Lane.  Grandpa Green.  A boy tells about his [...]

The 1.5 million-person mystery: How to recognize and treat autism in children By Peggy Wilkins, PhD Once thought to be relatively rare autism affects as many as 1.5 million Americans. Although we know it is a developmental disability based in abnormal brain development, the exact cause remains a mystery. Up to 5 percent of cases [...]

The Fracas over Franklin by Jennifer Crutchfield Land grabs, duels, treason and secession marked the birth and death of the “State of Franklin”.  A handful of fortified outposts between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River seceded to form their own state in 1794 but the drama began decades earlier.  The fertile Watauga region had [...]

Balancing Act by Alison Lebovitz My closet has become a veritable three-ring circus. Every morning as I enter my not-so-big tent to get dressed, I wave to the animal print garments and faux-fur accessories surrounding me, nod approvingly at the crowd of shoes below me and then begin my daily high wire act. This precarious [...]

Preparing your teen for surgery By Lisa A. Smith, MD It’s been said that “minor” surgery is surgery on someone other than yourself. One exception to this old adage is when your child needs surgery. All children can benefit from psychological preparation for planned surgical experiences. Adequate preparation can help children feel less anxious about [...]

Sing out, Louise! The performing arts build confidence through discipline—and fun “Music draws people together, and it’s something you can participate in your entire life. You are never lonely if you have music.” By Janis Hashe When The Best Christmas Pageant Ever opens at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, the Montague family will be front and [...]

A Most Holy Night by Michael Gray In the little country church I attended tradition held that we always sang Silent Night at the end of the Christmas service.  It always began with a young girl singing the first verse solo, then a verse sung in Italian, finally followed by the whole congregation singing together. [...]