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Arkansas in Obamacare spotlight

March 25, 2013

By Steve Boggs, publisher.

The state of Arkansas has become the focal point in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Also known as Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act included many controversial aspects. One was the mandate that every person carries health insurance, or faces a fine. The Supreme Court upheld that mandate when challenged in court. The other was forcing states to expand the Medicaid program to include everyone making 138 percent of the federal poverty level in wages. That one got struck down by the Supreme Court.

Common Sense: The sounds of the game stay with you

March 25, 2013

By Brent Davis, editor.

America's national pastime is gearing up for another season. Exhibition games have begun and player evaluations are underway. The "boys of summer" may be dealing with frigid temperatures in some regions of the country, but the enthusiasm they have for the game provides a layer of insulation that is difficult to penetrate.

Enter the Net: Memories of ice cream trucks and El Cena Casa

March 25, 2013

By David Hughes

Just about each week I enjoy a long talk with a long-time friend during which he catches me up with what’s going on in town and we reminisce about the good old days and, of course, conversate on how to fix what’s wrong with the world.
We met in high school, first because I was attracted to his sister, but she felt she could do a lot better (grin,) and of course – she was right. But, our friendship was my introduction to the kids at Bauxite High School, who might as well as been from Mars before he and I started hanging out.

Common Sense: Keeping both hands on the wheel across generations

March 20, 2013

By Brent Davis, editor. bdavis@bentoncourier.com

One topic that inevitable arises when baby boomers gather is how things were different when we were younger. Peppered throughout the conversation are the words "You can't let kids do that anymore." When my generation was younger, we played outside until it was way beyond dark. We came home from school and rode our bikes everywhere. We walked to town to buy candy at the Sterlings Store downtown. Every generation looks back. It's natural.
It's also a natural progression of society, unfortunately so.

Let's put on our rose-colored glasses

March 20, 2013

By Jennifer Joyner

My mother recently read me something she saw on Facebook. I believe it's worth sharing here in its entirety:
“Don't we all want a joy-filled life? Then let's get it. Life is too short not to, my friends. Strengthen up those struggle muscles (yes, we all have them) and get an emotional makeover. It is time to start clearing out the junk and stop tolerating the funk. You have done all you can do as long as you can, and it's time to give it all to God.
“How? Stand up … Kick the dirt … Breathe in … Pray …

Sense and Nonsense: Happy wishes to all on this St. Pat's Day

March 18, 2013

By Lynda Hollenbeck

On St. Patrick's Day, everyone is either Irish or an Irish wannabe. It's a time for parades, Irish dancing, parties and having fun.
As a Parnell (my maiden name), I can boast of Irish heritage and say unequivocally that I love all the traditions normally associated with St. Paddy's Day. (With one exception: I don't drink beer, green or otherwise, but I can sip on my Dr Pepper if someone else chooses to do so.)

Is this recession simply running out of steam?

March 18, 2013

By Steve Boggs, publisher. sboggs@bentoncourier.com

There are signs of life in our economy, without a doubt. Unemployment is down, the stock market is riding an all-time high win streak, and the housing market is showing signs of sustained life. We’re in an energy boom, and every day we hear stories of a few manufacturing jobs returning to the U.S. It is an uptick, to be sure.

Enter the Net: New laws could ‘free’ your phone to change carriers

March 15, 2013

By David Hughes

Chances are your cell phone(s) and cellular-connected tablet computers are being held hostage. No, the criminal doesn’t have a gun or hide in shadows waiting to reach out and snatch it (them). Believe it or not, it’s a so-called “public servant†( ha ha ha ha) paid with your tax dollars.
Just who is this vile person? Is it a member of Congress? No … funny how that was your first guess.
Believe it or not, it’s the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, who has held the office since Sept. 14, 1987! He is the 13th person to hold this august title.

Common Sense: Beware, the lowly gallinipper's bite

March 15, 2013

By Brent Davis

Spring break will soon be upon us. Schools will empty and many homes will do the same as the annual trek to warmer climates takes place. A popular destination for Saline Countians is Florida. The surf. The sand. The sun. Paradise.
Or is it?
This year, travelers may encounter what is described as an aggressive mosquito. The scientific name for this so-called monster is Psorophora ciliata, but often goes by the name "gallinippers."

Sense and Nonsense: Don't count the skinnies out; there are some that are 'magnificent'

March 15, 2013

By Lynda Hollenbeck

When I referred to them as a group, it was by the moniker "The Magnificent Seven."
This wasn't a band of American gunmen hired to protect a small agricultural village in Mexico from a group of marauding Mexican bandits. Indeed they bore no resemblance to Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter, and Horst Buchholz, who portrayed the mighty seven in the movie that was actually a western-style remake based on Akira Kurosawa's 1954 Japanese film "Seven Samurai."

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