http://www.lockportjournal.com en-us Copyright CNHI All Rights Reserved. 5 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:19:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_323012225.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_323012225.html Recently, I volunteered my services to watch my 12-year-old grandson, Dominic. He had missed a couple days of school due to the flu. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:01:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_322010108.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_322010108.html I notice things when I am out and about. The wife and I went to Applebee’s last week, and while we were there, we got to hear the waiters and waitresses singing “Happy Birthday” to some poor, unsuspecting victim on the other side of the room. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:13:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_320221507.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_320221507.html Typically, my column is a rant. I'm upset or complaining about something. Frankly, people seem to like it that way. I mean, who wants to read a column about how awesome everything is? Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:59:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319010011.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319010011.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:38:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319003844.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319003844.html Life sure has revealed many of its lessons over the past few months. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I believe “everything” happens for a reason. That puts way too much focus on the small stuff. Yet some things that seem like small incidental occurrences easily become a learning experience or significant event. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:36:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319003647.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_319003647.html With all of the “Extreme Makeover — Home Edition” talk these past few weeks, I got to thinking about some of the home-improvement and home-selling shows that I watch on HGTV or TLC. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_318030009.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_318030009.html The construction of the Erie Canal between Lockport and Lake Erie was part of the western section of the canal, which contained two very challenging segments for the canal engineers. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:55:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_317005821.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_317005821.html Week after week, the state Senate returns to the headlines — and rarely in a small or insignificant way. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:57:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_316025912.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_316025912.html In observance of Veterans Day, I’d like to take this moment (and space) to offer a personal note of thanks to all who have served and to those who are presently serving in the military. This humble acknowledgment cannot possibly convey the extent of gratitude and respect that I have for each and every one of you. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:26:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_315012824.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_315012824.html This recession was a bad one. Probably the worst I can remember. Everyone I know, including myself, was affected by it in some way. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_314023512.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_314023512.html “In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.”It was either Alexis de Tocqueville or Hunter S. Thompson who penned the preceding phrase. It matters not who said it, I believe the principal to be true. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:49:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311235013.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311235013.html When I heard that New York was going to begin charging a nickel deposit on all bottled water under a gallon, my first thought was, that’s a great idea! Several other states have recently begun, or soon will be, doing the same. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:48:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311234900.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311234900.html Thankfully, we’ve seen the end of another election season. Don’t get me wrong, every newspaper guy loves Election Day, I just think there comes a point when you’ve seen enough mud fly through the air to last you for few months. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:41:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311234143.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311234143.html Shake the hand of a veteran and say thanks. Opportunities are running out to meet World War II vets.I didn’t want to overlook a friend of the family, Ed Hunt, who has been a lawyer for 61 years in Niagara Falls and Lewiston. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:48:00 +0000 http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311025000.html http://www.lockportjournal.com/columns/local_story_311025000.html The City of Rochester was faced with an interesting dilemma after New York state opened the Erie Barge Canal in 1918.