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 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 [...]
The Acne of Defeat by Alison Lebovitz They say with age comes a clearer understanding of the world around you. This may be true, but at this point I would settle for a clearer complexion of the skin around me. As a teenager I never had more than the occasional pimple, so I just don’t [...]
The Secrets of the Lost Sea by Jennifer Crutchfield Ben Sands grew up hearing stories about a magnificent underground lake. Pioneers in the area around Sweetwater, Tenn. had been weaving stories around Craighead Caverns since they came to settle there in 1820. Named for its earliest owner, the Cherokee Chief Craighead, the caverns were central [...]
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. [...]
YouTubing by Alison Lebovitz When our youngest son, Levi, turned seven he could read like a champ, do math like a whiz, and even play chess like a young Bobby Fischer. What he couldn’t do, however, was tie his own shoes. I blame myself, of course. The years of buying those revolutionary no-tie sneaks with [...]
by Alison Lebovitz. It’s been a long time since I took my driver’s test, but for some reason I don’t recall there being a section of either the written or practical part that prepares you for the one skill that every parent must ultimately learn to perfect – the ability to drive and DJ at [...]
The Mystery of progress, people and plaques By Jennifer Crutchfield One of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, the Walnut Street Bridge has been an icon of innovation and controversy for 120 years. In 1891 the bridge’s opening was marked by a military parade, a procession of proud Chattanoogans and the promise for the bright future [...]
