Friday, May 24, 2013
The group’s National Council on Thursday reportedly gave the go-ahead to allow openly gay boys into its ranks. Tell us what you think of the decision.
A boy’s sexual orientation may soon be moot when he goes to join one national organization. According to reports Thursday evening, the Boy Scouts of America voted to drop sexual orientation as one component of membership into the youth group. While the organization’s decision paved the way for openly gay boys to become Scouts, the group’s leadership stopped short of allowing gay Scout leaders. Want to blog about this topic? Email Community Editor Jon Gargis at jon.gargis@patch.com to find out how you can become a Local Voices blogger on your hometown Patch. Not all Scout troops may be receptive to the change. In previous discussions over the issue, BSA spokesman Deron Smith said that under the then-proposed change, the BSA would not …
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The home city of one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects is asking a funeral home director not to request a burial there. Should cities be allowed to turn down burial requests?
It’s been nearly three weeks since his death, but it remains unclear where the body of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev will be buried. The Associated Press reports that while Tsarnaev's mother says she wants the body returned to Russia, the funeral director in charge of Tsarnaev’s body believes the country will not accept the body. The funeral home director, Peter Stefan, said he plans to ask for a burial in the city where Tsarnaev lived, but officials in Cambridge, Mass., are urging him not to do so. "The difficult and stressful efforts of the citizens of the City of Cambridge to return to a peaceful life would be adversely impacted by the turmoil, protests, and wide spread media presence at such an interment," Cambridge…
Monday, May 6, 2013
A runner’ gesture cost his high school a trip to the state championships. Tell us if you think the ruling on the gesture was right on, or if the disqualification was unwarranted.
A high school’s chance to compete in the state championships was halted last month despite a winning performance from four of its athletes. Columbus High School saw four of its athletes take first in the 4 x 100-meter relay. But the team was disqualified, according to KHOU 11 News, after its final runner, Derrick Hayes, pointed up to the sky as he crossed the finish line. The DQ was levied as the gesture violated a rule that prohibits excessive acts of celebration, and it cost the school an opportunity to make it to the state championships. Hayes’ father said he believes his son made the gesture to give thanks to God. “It was a reaction,” K.C. Hayes said. “I mean you’re brought up your whole life that God gives you good things, you’re …
Friday, May 3, 2013
College football programs are not allowed to place website addresses or social media messages on the field due to rules that were recently amended by the NCAA. Tell us what you think of the athletic association’s decision.
#GoDawgs or #GoJackets? Whichever your preference, you won’t see either on an NCAA football field this fall. The NCAA’s recent “Bulletin on Field Markings, Uniforms, etc.” expressly prohibits “social media designations such as URL’s and hashtags” (Hashtags are words or phrases that are preceded by the # symbol that can be used online to group messages together or to rally support for a common cause, such as for a favorite team.). The rule means that while you may see your fellow fans using Twitter and other social media platforms while at the game, you won’t see “#SicemDawgs” between the hedges at Sanford Stadium or “#GaTech” on Historic Grant Field in Bobby Dodd Stadium. Speaking of UGA, another Southeastern Conference school, Mississippi…
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Former Atlanta Hawks player Jason Collins, most recently with the Washington Wizards, recently came out as gay. Tell us what impact, if any, you think his announcement will have.
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay," says Jason Collins in a story set to be published in the May 6 issue of Sports Illustrated. The pro basketball veteran has been a member of six teams in 12 seasons in the league, including three in Atlanta—he last donned a Hawks jersey during the 2011-2012 season. But many are likely to deem his coming out as something bigger than his on-the-court career, as he has become the first male U.S. athlete in a major professional sport to declare that he is gay. "I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation,” Collins told Sports Illustrated. Collins’ announcement was lauded by several of his …
Monday, April 29, 2013
On the roads or in the parking lot, what are the things other drivers do that annoy you the most?
Since today marks the start of another workweek for most folks, we thought we’d focus on a major part of most folks’ workday—driving. If you’re heading to work today, dropping off and/or picking up the kids, or maybe just hitting the road to get out of the house for a bit, you’re bound to pass or drive alongside a few dozen or perhaps even a few hundred other drivers. Depending on your tolerance for other drivers and their habits, you may have a pleasant drive, or you may experience a few annoyances on your trip. For yours truly, one of my biggest peeves manifested during yesterday afternoon’s showers: drivers who do not turn their headlights on when it’s raining. Turning one’s headlights on during showers is not just a state law—it also …
Friday, April 26, 2013
Unaware he was already on air, A.J. Clemente muttered the infamous F-word before being introduced during his first day on the job with an NBC affiliate in North Dakota.
It was his first day on the job—and his last. According to ABC News, A.J. Clemente didn’t make it far past his awkward introduction on KFYR television when he was fired. The reason: Before uttering his first words as a rookie news anchor, Clemente dropped the “F-bomb,” apparently unaware his microphone was already on. All this happened Sunday evening. By Monday, the clip had hit YouTube [Editor's note: Graphic language in clip] and Clemente was looking for a new job. The television station quickly apologized for the mishap and promised it would never happen again. But viewers, ABC reports, were more forgiving of Clemente than his now former employer. The video clip went viral, as did support for Clemente's rookie mistake. After all, didn’t…
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
If so, you could be saving money, according to GoBanking Rates. Tell us your typical family dinner habits.
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Wednesday, April 24
GoBankingrates.com put out an article recently noting that the monthly cost of feeding a family of four has risen from $601.50 in 2003 to $830 in 2013. That would be a 38 percent increase over the last decade. It doesn’t cost quite as much, however, to eat out, according to GoBanking rates. “When comparing the cost of a 10 oz. rib-eye dinner (with soup, salad and asparagus) from Outback Steakhouse with that of the homemade version, Outback was $2.53 cheaper,” GoBankingRates expert contributor Stacey Bumpus said. “And comparing seafood alfredo (with unlimited salad and breadsticks) at Olive Garden to making it at home, Olive Garden was $3.79 cheaper.” While it may be healthier to eat at home, it apparently is no longer cheaper. Share what’s…
Monday, April 22, 2013
Experts say FAA furloughs could delay some travelers by up to three hours. Tell us if you’re worried about a potential impact on your air travels.
Got plans to travel by air? You may need some more time on your hands. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday reported that airline passengers could see delays of up to three hours due to furloughs to air traffic controllers. The furloughs, which took effect Sunday, could potentially delay when flights take off or land. A lawsuit has been filed to stop the furloughs, the newspaper reported, but the earliest a hearing could be held is sometime next week. Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Paulding, Douglas and Cobb have said.
Friday, April 19, 2013
The FBI on Thursday released photographs of two men suspected in Monday’s bombing at the Boston Marathon. Tell us if you believe the suspects’ photos should lead to an increased camera presence in our cities.
Authorities Thursday announced they were seeking two men they believe may be responsible for Monday’s bombing that occurred at the Boston Marathon. The FBI released on Thursday photos and videos of the two men, who were seen walking together at one point. Photos and videos also show the men apart. Richard DesLauriers of the FBI says the two men are considered armed and extremely dangerous. FBI officials add that finding the two is the bureau’s "sole focus" right now. Related news: How to Help Boston Marathon Victims Boston EMS Describe Bravery, Carnage After Bombing Doctor Recalls Chaotic Scene in Medical Tent After Blasts Authorities are seeking more photos, videos and accounts from those near a restaurant called the Forum prior to the …
Pam J
11:28 pm on Friday, May 24, 2013
Well, unless things have changed, the Scouts have campouts where the kids sleep in tents. And I think there is an issue with pre-teens and teens dealing with "exploring and trying something". It would be the same if a pre-teen boy tried to kiss a pre-teen girl and she didn't like it. When I was growing up, my parents would have said "deal with it". It happened to a friend of mine's 11-year-old … more ›