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Travis: More appreciation for teachers

This past week was teacher appreciation week. If you don't have children in school, you probably haven't heard of it. If you do, you probably have been asked to send some small token to school with your children for their teachers. I'm all for teacher appreciation, but they need more than a thank you. According to a 2005 Edutopia article titled "Public Education Faces a Crisis in Teacher Retention," of the 200,000 new teachers hired each year, 22,000 quit after one year. Read More

Updated: may. 11, 2012 11:59 p.m.

	Our thoughts: Shocking In these challenging financial times, this newspaper was surprised to see a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting four of our state college presidents will receive substantial pay raises. » Read More Posted: may. 11, 2012 5:27 p.m. \| Updated: may. 11, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	McCoy: Security protocols changing the pace of travel I've been on too many airplanes, coming and going, fussing and fuming. In the first five years of the ‘90s, I logged over one million air-miles, in my role as a consultant for one of the Big Ones. That pace of travel is insane, and I have the war wounds to prove it. I was stranded in Orlando on 9/11, watching the silent sky and praying. I've flown on planes shaped like little cigar tubes. ... » Read More Posted: may. 11, 2012 5:24 p.m. \| Updated: may. 11, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Travis: More appreciation for teachers This past week was teacher appreciation week. If you don't have children in school, you probably haven't heard of it. If you do, you probably have been asked to send some small token to school with your children for their teachers. I'm all for teacher appreciation, but they need more than a thank you. According to a 2005 Edutopia article titled "Public Education Faces a Crisis in Teacher Retention," of the 200,000 new teachers hired each year, 22,000 quit after one year. » Read More Posted: may. 11, 2012 5:23 p.m. \| Updated: may. 11, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	McCoy: Minister of Electricity in a McCoy Banana Republic I'm pleased to report that our household has a new Minister of Electricity! Yes, you read that correctly. Our youngest son is the new Minister of Electricity for the McCoy family. You see - we're just like one of those third-world dictatorships. We have ministerial positions in the household, and we grant them exclusively to our family members. Except for the military uniforms, mirrored sunglasses, and overbearing Mercedes limos, we're no different from any other ... » Read More Posted: may. 04, 2012 6:58 p.m. \| Updated: may. 04, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Latarski: Truth in The Steroid Era In case you haven't noticed, Roger "The Rocket" Clemens is on trial for lying to Congress about whether or not he used performance enhancing drugs and Human Growth Hormone during his illustrious baseball career. When testifying before Congress about steroid use, Clemens vehemently denied using such substances, despite claims by a teammate that Clemens confessed to him he did use human fuel additives. Clemens' response was that his teammate "misremembered" their conversation. » Read More Posted: may. 04, 2012 6:56 p.m. \| Updated: may. 04, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Worth the price As you may have read earlier, Baxter International is getting more than $200 million in local and state incentives, including sales and property tax breaks, job tax credits, free land and infrastructure and hiring assistance. While that's one of the largest incentive packages in Georgia's history, state and local leaders are banking on Baxter being a major economic driver by itself as well as making Georgia and Stanton Springs a major player in the highly sought after biotech field. » Read More Posted: may. 04, 2012 6:39 p.m. \| Updated: may. 04, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Kimble: America as seen by Australian youths "What do you wear to sleep?" » Read More Posted: may. 01, 2012 7:25 p.m. \| Updated: may. 02, 2012 11:02 a.m.
	McCoy: Age of hats and caps Georgia's summer sun is a miserable scorcher. It puts the "red" in "redneck." It fries our southern ladies to a crisp. It bakes our sidewalks so our children burn their toes as they venture outdoors shoeless. Georgia's sun is brutal. » Read More Posted: apr. 27, 2012 8:10 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 28, 2012 12:59 a.m.
	Latarski: Illicit Conspiracy The trial of John Edwards - former everything, including senator, vice-presidential candidate, presidential candidate and Father of the Year - is getting underway in North Carolina. Edwards is facing charges of conspiracy, receiving illegal campaign contributions and giving false statements. » Read More Posted: apr. 27, 2012 7:35 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	My two cents on local officials Dear Editor: I am a 13-year home owner/citizen of Rockdale county/city of Conyers. I am an informed voter and a registered voter of the Democratic party. I support Obama/Biden and most Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate/House of Representatives. As far as the State of Georgia I tend to lean Republican, depending on the candidate. I am in Hank Johnson's district. I think he is not qualified. Locally, I think the Mayor and City Council ... » Read More Posted: apr. 27, 2012 7:39 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Drug Take-back We remember a time, not so many years ago, when people believed that drugs were taken only by the bad guys, and that our nice families were immune from such addictions. Today, we realize there is a drug for every age and background and even those drugs make for the best of purposes can be perverted for false pleasure. Part of the problem comes from legally prescribed drugs which are carelessly stored or discarded. » Read More Posted: apr. 27, 2012 7:41 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Healthcare Overhaul While the U.S. Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of portions of President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul, local residents got another take on public health care from visiting Australians. The Australian system is a private-public system, distinct from both the United States' and Canada's, and, based on the words and tone of one young pharmacist, the country is pretty darn proud of its system. » Read More Posted: apr. 27, 2012 7:42 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Taste of Conyers If you are looking for something fun and close by to do with your friends and family today, we have a suggestion for you: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the annual Taste of Conyers and the Conyers Car Show will take place in Olde Town. » Read More Posted: apr. 20, 2012 6:55 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 20, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Latarski: ‘Secrets’ Service It's one of those things you hear about that makes you shake your head and say, "Now ain't that just stupid." It seems a bunch of Secret Service agents working as an advance team for a presidential visit to Colombia, and not the one in South Carolina, were discovered having cavorted with prostitutes. » Read More Posted: apr. 20, 2012 7:03 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 20, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Welfare Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill this week that would require some people applying for welfare in Georgia to pass a drug test before they can receive benefits. We agree with this bill. » Read More Posted: apr. 20, 2012 6:58 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 20, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	McCoy: Strolling on the toll walk I hate toll roads. It's probably because I was born in Miami, and I remember my parents feeding the toll booths with nickels that I could have used to far better ends. Anyway, I don't like paying a toll to drive on a road. I'd much rather be robbed at tax time. At least I can pretend my taxes are paying for fire service, or a new playground, or some program to better educate our future burger flippers. » Read More Posted: apr. 20, 2012 7:00 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 20, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Factual information Dear Editor: After reading articles and hearing comments at the BOC meetings regarding how the fees to obtain a passport are being used, I feel we need more factual information before we become "appalled" and pass judgment about how Ms. Wilson does her job. I am appalled that there are those who would rather judge people instead of researching issues for the facts. I am appalled that there are those that will use phrases like, ... » Read More Posted: apr. 20, 2012 7:05 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 20, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our Thoughts: Petrino There was a time in our country when honor was important, but as fans of the University of Arkansas continue to support Bobby Petrino in the wake of a recent scandal, we’re questioning whether honor means much of anything anymore. » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:46 p.m.
	Our Thoughts: Hands Across Rockdale Today if you’re driving around Conyers/Rockdale you might see groups of your friends picking up trash, painting walls, or working in community gardens. » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:45 p.m.
	Kudos to RMC Dear Editor: I am writing this letter in sheer praise of everyone within the hospital who was instrumental in the care of my wife (Brenda Minkoff). » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:44 p.m.
	Getting to know you On November 11, 2011, an editorial was written by the publisher of The Rockdale News, Mr. Pat Cavanaugh, titled “Say what?” When I read the aforementioned article, I was flabbergasted upon realizing that the author had me in mind as his subject. As a former elected official/alderman in New Haven, Conn., I would often stand and vote against my party when I felt they were veering in the wrong direction, especially on tax increases and ... » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:44 p.m.
	Latarski: The Ides of April Tax time is upon us. » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:43 p.m.
	McCoy: Waiting for the perfect robot On a warm day, back in the dark ages when Richard Milhous Nixon was the Emperor of DC and double-knit polyester was the darling of the fashion industry, I was scouring my school’s library for something good to read. I had already polished off Thomas Edison’s biography, every “Three Investigators” detective story I could find, and a piece about the father of the telegraph: Samuel F.B. Morse. And then I found it - a big, hardcover book on robots. Robots! » Read More Posted: apr. 13, 2012 9:41 p.m.
	McCoy: Strangers who have saved my life I'd like to think I'm in complete control of my life, but I'm wise enough to know that it would just be a fancy-pants illusion - a convenient myth to help me survive another night without screaming into my pillow in a major case of self-pity. I know I'm not in charge of my life. If those people are right, and it really "takes a village," then I'm just another hapless village idiot, relying on ... » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:14 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 09, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Latarski: Distracted Idiot Lane? It's one of those things so positively stupid it makes you think it might not be a bad idea. » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:11 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 09, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Letter to BOC and Clerk of Courts As a tax paying citizen of this county, I'm appalled at learning of the Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson's paying herself out of these fees. However she wants to split these hairs, this is unethical behavior, and the "transparency" only seems to be the result of a threat of being exposed publicly. The arrogance shown at the BOC meeting was breathtaking in its insistence that personal gain can be justified by legality at the county's ... » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:16 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 06, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Progressive work Dear Editor: The March 27 Board of Commissioners (BOC) Meeting exposed a situation that demands a close objective review by Rockdale County residents - a proposed change in the 23 year managerial use of Clerk of Court funds. At hand, the same legal financial management process used for services in administering the current Office of the Court Clerk was challenged by a sitting Commissioner of eight years, notwithstanding the undisputed fact that current services far ... » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:22 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 06, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Small business It's not easy to operate any business in today's economic mess. Many good people have not been able to survive the crisis. That is why we think it is a good thing that our local chamber still takes the time for the local small business entrepreneur that has made the necessary adjustments to survive. » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:24 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 06, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Easter Sunday And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. » Read More Posted: apr. 05, 2012 8:25 p.m. \| Updated: apr. 06, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Shop Locally Conyers/Rockdale is fortunate to still have a chamber that operates the old fashion way, successfully. » Read More Posted: mar. 30, 2012 4:06 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 31, 2012 12:01 a.m.
	Concealed Carry Bill for 18-21 "A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to carrying and possession of firearms, so as to authorize persons who are between the ages of 18-21 to carry firearms under certain circumstances; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes." www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20112012/SB/493 It is an absolute shock to see the possible ... » Read More Posted: mar. 30, 2012 3:56 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 30, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	McCoy: America through foreign eyes I've been in Europe for going on three weeks now, and I'm ready to come home. I miss my family, my bed, my friends, and my guitars. I miss big steaks, cold sodas, twisted Southern English, and rock and roll. I even miss our stupid American electoral circus, the lame tabloid-like coverage of our party-hardy political parties, and the inert populace that thinks "insightful news analysis" is a reporter droning on about which politician said ... » Read More Posted: mar. 30, 2012 3:58 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 30, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Latarski: Cameron explores the depths James Cameron - filmmaker and Hollywood superstar - just took a trip to the bottom of the ocean. It should be noted he did come back. » Read More Posted: mar. 30, 2012 4:02 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 30, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: NAACP Our local NAACP chapter held its 24th annual Freedom Fund Banquet on March 17 where they honored some outstanding community leaders. The group honored Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Samuel King with the Jean Williams award, Sen. Ronald Ramsey with a special community service award from the Citizens Progressive Club and Lewis Belcher was honored with the NAACP award for his service to the group and to the community. » Read More Posted: mar. 30, 2012 4:04 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 30, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	McCoy: Breaking the sound barrier How many of you grew up reading about a superhero who had amazing powers and who flew around town fighting crime while looking snazzy in a form-fitting costume? Come on; you know you read about Superman or Wonder Woman or other comic book heroes, and you wanted to be just like them. You wanted superpowers, and if you had any fashion sense, you wanted a snazzy cape with your initials on the back. Maybe you ... » Read More Posted: mar. 23, 2012 3:49 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 23, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Latarski: Early spring, not a bad thing Spring is now officially upon us, although the weather we have had lately makes it feel like spring came and went around 2:47 a.m. Tuesday morning, and we headed straight into summer. Normally we accept this with good grace because we know that our Northern friends are still digging out of snow, but that has not been the case this year. » Read More Posted: mar. 23, 2012 3:54 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 23, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Lack of Courage Last week on these pages we editorialized on the fact that the Georgia legislature refused to consider numerous bills that would limit the legislators from accepting gifts from lobbyists. Now on top of that there has been a report by the Center for Public and Global Integrity both national groups that champion government reform. That ranks Georgia last in the nation in dealing with openness and laws on public corruption. » Read More Posted: mar. 23, 2012 3:57 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 23, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Our thoughts: Surprise This past week members of the chambers leadership class of 2012 toured the local Solo plant as part of its business day activities. All were impressed by the size the productivity and the length of time the Solo cup company has been a major business stalwart in the Rockdale/Conyers community. » Read More Posted: mar. 23, 2012 3:59 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 23, 2012 11:59 p.m.
	Clothes Closet Eviction You are fortunate if you've never met Judy Smith. This would mean you have been able to provide sufficient clothing and other necessities for yourself and your family. It comes as no surprise that many in our community cannot afford the luxury you enjoy. Every day for over 35 years Judy Smith has made it her business to provide decent clothes and a helping hand to those less fortunate. She has done this without compensation ... » Read More Posted: mar. 23, 2012 3:47 p.m. \| Updated: mar. 23, 2012 11:59 p.m.
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