Local Columns

Saturday Column

Former House speaker has vital message for America
November 7, 2009
Whether or not an individual would vote for former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich as a GOP candidate for the U.S. presidency, like and admire him or not, it is important for all Americans to hear his message.

Tom Keegan

Reesing’s impact huge
November 7, 2009
It won’t be until next year, when Todd Reesing is gone, that it will become clear how much of the growth of the Kansas University football program can be attributed to improved recruiting and how much to having a once-in-a-generation quarterback. The answer lies somewhere in the middle.

Take a Stand

Parks: Less can be more
October 28, 2009
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of choosing top priorities for the city’s recreation system.

Boomer Girl Diary

Boomer Girl Diary: Forecast windy for 2nd colonoscopy
October 25, 2009
I wrote about my first colonoscopy three years ago — to the consternation of a few sensitive readers — and swore once would be enough on that subject, thank you very much.

Bill Mayer

Reesing deserves courtesy
November 6, 2009
Speculation continues about how many of its four remaining games the Kansas University football team will win. The immediate emphasis should be on bagging that first ONE. End the current slump, now three losses deep, then there might be a reason to discuss a 7-5 or better record and a decent bowl game.

Chuck Woodling

Lions’ drought a mystery
November 3, 2009
When it comes to high school football in Lawrence, there hasn’t been much middle ground this fall.

Gary Bedore

Memories from 24 Late Nights
October 16, 2009
Last year at this time, I commented on — OK I bragged about — the fact yours truly is believed to be the only person to have attended all 24 season-opening Late Nights in Allen Fieldhouse.

Ryan Wood

Tracking down team fun, but difficult, task
Google, cell phone indispensible
February 16, 2008
The phone rang for a man I presumed to be Lincoln Minor, the former Kansas University basketball player who played 34 games in the 1987-88 season. “Hello?” the man on the other end answered. “Hi, is this Lincoln?” I asked. “Yes,” he said. “The Lincoln who played basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks?” “No,” the man replied. “This is his father.” Hey, that’s progress.

Cooking Q & A

Chai tea mix an excellent holiday gift
November 4, 2009
Do you have a recipe for chai tea mix? I’m thinking of making it for some Christmas gifts.

Gwyn Mellinger

Longtime columnist says farewell
May 7, 2008
I always knew this moment would come, eventually, and that I would find myself writing my most difficult column. “Kitchen & Garden” has sprouted from my keyboard every week for more than 12 years - in the neighborhood of 650 columns - but the time has come to till it under and plant something new.

George Gurley

A modest proposal for health care reform
October 4, 2009
Whereas the country is tumbling in a catastrophic crisis, whereas people are dying like flies in the streets and the economy has crashed and the sky is about to fall down utterly in our laps, whereas universal health care is a right and a hallmark of civilization, whereas we need to “get something done” before the next congressional recess and nap time and whereas haste is of the essence and the time for thoughtful deliberation is past, herewith follows abridged circumlocutions and subterfuges from S.CON.RES.000, Sponsor Sen. Bogus, provisionally entitled Some-Kind-of-Health-Care Bill.

Marsha Henry Goff

Jest for Grins: Reader comments: Angry, funny, educational
October 4, 2009
Writers don’t write for money alone. It’s true: If writers had a theme song, it would be “Reach Out and Touch Someone.”

Mike Hoeflich

Tuition dollars are precious
November 4, 2009
Even if the current economic downturn begins to ease this year, millions of American high school seniors are just now beginning the process by which they will be admitted to a college or university.

Garden Calendar

Bright spots: Plant mums to add fall color to your garden
November 1, 2009
Chrysanthemums are well-known for their vibrant fall colors, but they are more than a pretty face in this season’s garden: With proper planting and care, mums can provide enjoyment for years to come.

Eileen Roddy

Heirloom creations: Lawrence resident specializes in intricate needlework
October 26, 2009
“Interest in smocking, like cross-stitch, quilting and other needle arts, rises and falls in popularity with the times,” says Lawrence smocker Kathy Schmidt. “Like quilting, smocking is once again a popular needle art around the country.”