Our View: Deport Criminals, Not Schoolgirls
Oh, the outrage. President Barack Obama wants to deport criminals, before ousting schoolgirls with immigration problems. The audacity of this man. The Colorado Springs Gazette laid out last Sunday the extraordinary similarities of Obama and former President George W. Bush, which speak poorly of each on most counts. These big-spending interventionists are the same on nearly all important issue, distinguished more by red-team/blue-team affiliation… [Read more]
A Last-Minute Plea to Minimize Harm
Given our state’s financial situation, all agree on one conclusion: The state budget being written today must spend less. However, when making painful budget cuts, we must set clear priorities and seek to minimize harm. We should prioritize (1) protecting quality education, (2) keeping nursing homes open and (3) requiring all big corporations to pay their fair share. The proposed Republican budget balances the 2012-13 budget by cuts alone.… [Read more]
Lufkin JV Team Too Much For Sophomores
The Oak Ridge sophomore baseball team took on the JV team from Lufkin after a scheduling mistake. This would be a learning experience for the young War Eagles. The War Eagles took this one on the chin loosing 11-1. The Sophomores were able to hang with the Lufkin JV Team for four and two thirds innings, the score was 3-0. Tyler Miller got the start on the hill for the War Eagles, Miller proved he could hold his own against the older team. He pitched… [Read more]
Lady War Eagles Suffer Loss to Kingwood
The visiting Kingwood Lady Mustangs rode into town with one thing on their mind -- maintaining their second place ranking in District 14-5A. Oak Ridge had two things on their mind -- not to let that happen and to redeem themselves after the Lufkin loss. However, in this fickle game of softball, you win by the sword and die by the sword and the swords, aka "bats", once again waned for the Lady War Eagles. It has been a struggle of late to manufacture… [Read more]
Lawmakers Want Fewer Tickets for Students
Chewing gum may be considered rude, maybe even disruptive. But in some Texas schools, it is a class C misdemeanor. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee today discussed a bill that would reverse the statute that allows police officers to issue misdemeanor citations to students for infractions like chewing gum, sleeping in class and cursing. The bill, proposed by Committee Chairman Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, would prohibit school district… [Read more]
War Eagle Bats Go Cold in 3-2 Loss to Lufkin
On a perfect night for baseball in Lufkin, near perfect pitching by Oak Ridge's Josh Smith was not enough to take the victory as the War Eagles lost to the Panthers 3 - 2 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Josh Smith faced off against Lufkin's Texas A&M commit Gandy Stubblefield in a classic pitcher's duel. Smith gave up one hit to Lufkin's powerful team striking out nine Lufkin batters while Stubblefield gave up two hits … [Read more]
The Texas Budget Cycle (Non-Schoolhouse Rock Version)
Confused about the state's budget? Trust us — you’re not alone. The Texas Legislature creates a spending plan every two years, but it takes almost as much time to prepare that plan. This session, lawmakers will set a budget that will be implemented in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (Sept. 1, 2011, to Aug. 31, 2012). This week, House members will be tested when they vote on their version of a general appropriations bill. Lawmakers are considering unprecedented… [Read more]
Don’t Snore On My Parade
“Honey, you were snoring really loud last night,” alleged my husband. “That’s impossible,” I said. “I don’t snore.” “Oh no?” “No, I would hear it if I snored.” “You don’t hear it because you are sleeping!” he declared. “Something I was not able to do so well with all that snoring going on.” “Maybe it was the dog?” I suggested. “Listen TyranaSNORous Rex,” he said. “The … Read More
The World’s Fattest Toddler: I’m Not Worried
Step aside, infamous Indonesian smoking baby, there's a new gross-you-out and get-you-incensed Internet sensation in town. It's the obese Chinese toddler! Perhaps you have seen photos of Lu Hao, a 132-pound 3-year-old who eats three bowls of rice at a time and refuses to walk to school. It's compelling stuff, the swollen kid crammed into a raft, floating in a pool, the massive baby gnawing on a chicken bone or being hoisted by his … Read More
Unknown Soldiers – Top Gun
When future U.S. Navy pilot Miroslav Zilberman lost his grandfather, a Russian World War II aviator who spent almost a full year as a prisoner of war, he searched for the right words to honor his hero. "I will always remember him as a loving and caring grandfather," Zilberman, then training to become a pilot, said at the cemetery. "The next time I come here, I will proudly be wearing my uniform, and with honor, salute … Read More
Making Sweet Memories
Family time can get lost when the family calendar is filled up with activities, practices, meetings and homework. It's important to carve out some special time each week to slow down and enjoy making some fun memories together. Food and games are two great ways to connect as a family - and keeping things simple makes it easy to really focus on each other and have fun. These activities are easy and can involve everyone in the family. … Read More
Dave Says, “Get Out of Debt Even Faster”
Dear Dave, I’m 26, single, and I’ve been working your Total Money Makeover plan to pay off my debt. Right now, I have just $25,000 left to pay off, including my car. Recently, I was offered a chance to move to Singapore for the next six months as part of my job. I won’t have any real expenses while I’m there, but I’m worried about the effect it might have on me getting out of debt. How can I make all of this balance … Read More
Bill O’Reilly: Leadership
This time next year, we could have the two presidential candidates in play. Only God knows who the Republicans will decide upon, but President Obama is a lock on the Democratic side. The big issues that will most likely decide the election of 2012 are the economy and leadership. And now there's new data on the leadership front. According to a Gallup poll released this week, Obama has fallen more than 20 points in the leadership … Read More
Chuck Norris: Obama Triangulates on Gun Control
Loyal readers will recall that I warned last year of the perfect storm approaching on gun control. Now, with the Tucson, Ariz., tragedy as a steppingstone and with eyes firmly focused on his re-election, President Barack Obama has opened a campaign to appease his base on the polarizing issue. Let me completely disclose my position: I am a strong Second Amendment advocate. I believe in protecting our fundamental rights, including our … Read More
Defunding or Defanging?
There was plenty of passionate poppycock on the House floor Thursday, as members debated the Republicans' "emergency" bill to eliminate funding for National Public Radio. Although the bill passed, as did a proposal last month to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, neither measure will advance beyond the House chamber. And while most of the arguments from both sides tap-danced around the issues, a … Read More
John Stossel: Students Who Get It!
I went to Princeton in 1969, where they taught me that government could solve the world's problems. Put the smartest people in a room, give them enough taxpayer money, and they will fix most everything. During those years, I heard nothing about an alternative. How things have changed! I recently spent time with several hundred college-aged people at a Students for Liberty conference in Washington, D.C. Here were hundreds of … Read More
Don’t Use The ‘Free Market’ As An Excuse
This week, AT&T announced its plans to buy their competitor T-Mobile. Now it’s up to regulators to approve the merger. Politicians pandering to the Tea Party love to talk about a free market. It sounds sexy. It sounds like wealth and freedom got married and had a perfect concept. If capitalism is a religion – free market is the savior. This free market will punish bad behavior and reward virtue. The free market knows all and … Read More
People
In The Spotlight: Taylor Dye, Overcoming Dyslexia
Often times, many of us carry on in life like we are living in la la land because we were born … Read More
In the Spotlight: The Outspoken Laurin Engle
This week's In The Spotlight subject came to us via Coach JC Collins of the Oak Ridge girls soccer … Read More
Oak Ridge’s Own Angel in the Outfield
“Who can say for certain. Maybe you’re still here. I feel you all around me. Your memory’s so … Read More
Local News
In Other News: ORHS Sports Carnival Edition
We posted a lot of articles this past week in Oak Ridge Now, but there were a lot more out there to … [Read More...]
In Other News: War On Drugs Edition
This is the week that the nearly four-decades-old War On Drugs came to our community. Obviously, … [Read More...]
Texas News
A Last-Minute Plea to Minimize Harm
Given our state’s financial situation, all agree on one conclusion: The state budget being written … Read More
Lawmakers Want Fewer Tickets for Students
Chewing gum may be considered rude, maybe even disruptive. But in some Texas schools, it is a class … Read More
The Texas Budget Cycle (Non-Schoolhouse Rock Version)
Confused about the state's budget? Trust us — you’re not alone. The Texas Legislature creates a … Read More
Texas Medicaid Costs Vary Widely by Hospital, Area
The cost of common medical procedures paid for by Medicaid — the joint state-federal health care … Read More
US and World News
Behind the Battle Over Hidden Debit Card Fees
A provision within the financial reform bill that would regulate debit card transaction fees could … Read More
A Look Back At President George H.W. Bush
He’s 86 now, his eyebrows silver and his legs weakened by Parkinson’s-like … Read More
Worst Case: Japan’s Nuclear Disaster Will Have Limited Reach
For more than a week the world has watched the escalating crisis at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi … Read More
In Case You Missed It
Last Week, In Case You Missed It: March 19, 2011
It has been a week of contrasts, a week full of merriment and anticipation and celebration cast … Read More
Sports
Lady War Eagles Suffer Loss to Kingwood
The visiting Kingwood Lady Mustangs rode into town with one thing on their mind -- maintaining their … Read More
Lufkin JV Team Too Much For Sophomores
The Oak Ridge sophomore baseball team took on the JV team from Lufkin after a scheduling mistake. … Read More
War Eagle Bats Go Cold in 3-2 Loss to Lufkin
On a perfect night for baseball in Lufkin, near perfect pitching by Oak Ridge's Josh Smith was … Read More
Oak Ridge Golf Teams Search for Consistency
Golf is really a frustrating game in that most of us can only manage a few great shots each round, … Read More
The Ridge Tops The Woodlands in Sophs 12-11 Wild Win
The Oak Ridge Sophomore baseball team improved their district record to 3-1 with a 12-11 victory … Read More
Schools
Is The Guard Ready?
“Is the Guard ready?” Indeed yes was the answer for the Oak Ridge color guard as they took … Read More
ORHS Color Guard Sweeps Lone Star State Competition
It’s a Texas sweep! Oak Ridge High School’s winter guard has swept the Winter Guard … Read More
Amidst Another Color Guard Win, A Friend Remembered
Oak Ridge High School Color Guard received a first place win for the fourth performance in a row on … Read More
Living
Making Sweet Memories
Family time can get lost when the family calendar is filled up with activities, practices, meetings … Read More
Easy Outdoor Entertaining
Whether it's simple dinner for a few friends or a big bash for a crowd, taking the party outside … Read More
Mix It Up with Jenny – St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Everybody's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day, right? This year, join in the fun of … Read More
Simply Delicioso Spring Dessert Tips
Cooking Channel and Univision star Ingrid Hoffmann, host of Simply Delicioso and Delicioso (on … Read More
Faith
Are You Searching for Something? Alana Lane Hosts a Revival
Brothers, I say Brothers Now you got yourself two good hands And when your brother is … Read More
Thanks, Ricky!
I was watching a documentary on NFL player Ricky Williams recently. In an interview he said that … Read More
