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The New ‘Twilight Zone’

Maybe you are like me and haven’t quite grasped the concept of Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI. I’ve been hearing a lot about the concept but never gave it much thought until the other day when some scientists warned AI could pose a serious threat to our existence. How could something that is manmade turn into a thinking, judgmental thing that could wipe humans off the face of the earth? Then at about 4:30 in the morning, I heard the toilet in the bathroom of our home kick on and off for a few seconds. My husband says it’s a plumbing issue that can be remedied ...

Enjoying the Little Things

There are many things in life, simple things, that can bring great pleasure to our lives. Personally I take great joy in the little things. I will do a dance around the kitchen when I finally find my missing car keys that were hidden under a pile of junk mail. When I successfully remember to bring my grocery list and coupons to the supermarket, I smile to myself as I wheel the shopping cart around the store. Recently I taught a sister-in-law how to play a game of gin rummy only to have her continuously beat my score. Even so, there was satisfaction in seeing her beaming with pride ...

Food For Thought

We recently found ourselves motoring south in this great state of West Virginia. By mid-afternoon we arrived in Elkins and were looking for a place to enjoy a late lunch or early dinner, whatever a decent menu would provide. After a brief search online, we found a few spots but settled on a little place called Scotties Restaurant on Seventh Street. We knew we probably made the right choice judging by the number of cars in the parking lot. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a friendly staff and a wallboard noting the day’s specials. This menu was not for the faint of heart. ...

Necessary Expense

Each time I pass a certain place, I can’t help but wonder what happened. There’s an abandoned homestead along Dallas Pike Road in Ohio County that could serve as a backdrop for a modern horror movie. On this piece of property is a passel of junk. However, it’s the old house there that keeps trying my curiosity. It is a multiple-storied structure with numerous windows. It’s those windows that make me think of a scary movie. There are ragged, torn and discolored curtains hanging out of those windows. They wave a spooky greeting when the wind blows. I believe there are signs of ...

She Never Gives Up

She’s at it again. A tiny wisp of a bird has been working tirelessly to build a nest for her soon-to-be offspring. We’ve allowed this intrusion into the top of our propane tank each year because this industrious mother will have it no other way. She will let nothing stop her from preparing a safe, comfortable home for her family. We knew she was back when we noticed bits of leaves and twigs poking out of the top of the tank. There have been torrential rains, extreme winds and frigid temperatures since she began her annual home building. Yet she does not give up. We are amazed at ...

Listen Carefully

Look out! I wanted to scream. An early morning jogger was barely visible as he ran along National Road in Wheeling. It wasn’t his running in dark colored clothing or even that he was in the road. It was the fact that he had headphones on that obviously prevented him from hearing the traffic. Now that’s just downright dangerous. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there are many runners and walkers honing their skills in preparation for the annual Ogden Newspaper Half Marathon slated for Saturday, May 27, in Wheeling. I can vividly remember those first few distance races, then ...