Beech Tree News Network

You know those little door hangers they have at hotels that say DO NOT DISTURB, I brought one home with me from our hotel in London.  The hanger has a picture of a cat curled up asleep with the words, 

Often, we find folks who justify their sinful behavior by saying, “I am not bothering anyone.” This excuse may sound thoughtful,

On Monday, America will stand in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and an open field in Pennsylvania.

It’s hard to believe we are so far removed from that tragic day in our nation’s history. I’ve heard from people who were children that day describe how it shook, and forever altered, the very foundation of their lives. Some have said they felt their childhood ended that day when an act of terror forced them to confront the realities of life.

Quite a bit has happened in the entertainment world in the last few days.  Sad to say that a bit of it has been tragic.  Jimmy Buffett, mayor of Margaritiville, pioneer of pirate and island music, the sole reason Kenny Chesney has a career in the music business, passed away Friday at age 76 of skin cancer.  He battled it for years before his passing.  Buffett suffered from Merkel cell cancer, his website said.  

This summer has been memorable in so many ways. Recently, students and teachers returned to school, and for me, the return to school signals that fall is near. Certainly, the weather and the political games this summer provided conversation starters - if you dared. And the extra time provided opportunities for entertainment as well as rest or down time.

“Father Ted” is one of my favorite British comedies.  I discovered it years ago when my daughters were still living at home.  They loved it like I did.  The show is about three miscreant priest who live in a fictional place in Ireland called Craigy Island.  One of our favorite episodes involves a misunderstanding in which Father Ted is accused of being racist.  He is constantly being confron

When Saul saw Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), among other things, Jesus told Saul that it was hard for him to ki

As long as I’ve heard of Johnsongrass (which is all my life), I’ve wondered where it came from.  Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L) is a warm-season grass.  Originally from the Mediterranean region of Europe and Africa, and possibly to Asia Minor, it was introduced in North America in the 1800’s as a forage alternative.  The name “Johnsongrass” refers to Colonel William Johnson, who introduced this species to his river-bottom farm in Alabama in the 1840’s.  

The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is widely regarded as one of the most successful global health programs in history. In 20 years, PEPFAR has helped save 25 million lives from HIV/AIDS.

Basically, I’m a stick in the mud.  I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything.