Latest Addiction

"Sometime's we get 'em smashed straight to the ground," she said. And I done liked to hug that woman.

Educator to be guest speaker for Art at Lunch series

Jackson Cheatham is one of our area’s most popular artists. His multiple talents as printmaker, teacher and exhibit designer – complemented by his dry wit and easygoing manner – have earned him a permanent place near the center of Augusta’s art circles.

Sunrise Over The Savannah

Featuring the music of local artist Nikia Star.

Odds and Ends

Various thoughts on Falcons, Hawks, and The University of Georgia Diamond Dogs

Tournament officials to start torch relay tradition

Officials with Augusta National have announced the first change prompted by patron-submitted requests.

Retirement savings for the self-employed

A number of people have asked me how I’m saving for retirement now that I’m self-employed, and several more asked yesterday when I mentioned that I was signing up for a SEP-IRA. In order to clarify everything, here’s exactly how I’m saving for retirement as a self-employed writer.

Nice Try, Though.

Tonight's dinner didn't jive with this one.

How Green Was My Monday

Earlier this year, I started noticing all the cardboard boxes and plastic bottles I was throwing out, perfectly good containers with the nice recycle symbol on the bottom that I was instead sending to our local dump. My parents had recently gotten a recycle trashcan from the county and my mom told me how surprised she was at the amount of their "trash" that could actually be recycled. She described her experience with recycling as "empowering."

I was caught off guard by that sentiment, by how strongly my mom had reacted to which trashcan she used for what stuff. But I had to admit I was starting to feel a pinch -- the thought of the local landfill, getting higher and higher with junk -- that image made me feel tired.

I decided to call the county, and the next day I had my own recycle can. I very quickly realized that over half of our trash could actually be recycled -- and I felt a similar reaction to my mom. It felt so good to be making a little difference on the world around us.

Since then, I'm working on other ways to "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" (as the song from Curious George tells us). I've bought reusable bags for the grocery store, I wait until dishwasher is totally full until I run it, and each week one boy has the chore of "turning off the lights" throughout the house to make sure we aren't needlessly burning electricity. I've also started keeping track of our resources more fastidiously -- and I've been amazed at how this is helping me want to buy less. I don't want to be a "consumer," in a haphazard, pave-the-earth kind of way. Watching where my money goes helps me want to use every last bit of what I have before I go get more.

As John Paul II said, we have "a grave responsibility to preserve [the earth's] order for the well-being of future generations."

What about you? What are a few things you are doing to take care of Mother Earth?

 UPDATED TO ADD: If you want a recycle bin and live in Richmond County, call Augusta Solid Waste. They will deliver it to your curb.

Who moved my (pimento) cheese?

In last week’s Scuttlebiz, I declared I was finished commenting on the Masters Tournament for the year, but that was before I heard a tidbit about a new food-service company vying for the tournament’s concession business.

Important Life Lessons, Vol. 29

"Don't pick other people's noses," Ethan tells Henry. "It's impolite."

To Henry, To Mark His Ninth Month

What I want to express to you, dear sweet Henry, is the overwhelming gratitude I have that you are here.

Do we need a new motto that matters?

Some think America needs a new motto -- what about you?

Who is the Best Athlete in Atlanta Sports History

While lying on my couch watching John Smoltz notch his 3000th strikeout, I began to ponder who might be the greatest athlete in Atlanta pro sports history.   I am really talking the big three sports...football, basketball, and baseball.  Hockey and possibly soccer can also be included, but dont get the same coverage as the other three sports.  Is it Smoltz?  Dominique Wilkins, Hank Aaron, Michael Vick?  The Human highlight reel, Dominique would be my choice, followed closely by Aaron.  Smoltz is an amazing athlete as well. 

 Well folks...I want to hear from you.  Who do you think is the best athlete to ever wear a Braves, Falcons, or Hawks jersey? 

How Little Moves Now Can Create Huge Effects Later

I often write about how a person can save a few dollars here and a few dollars there by making a few little changes in their life. For some of my readers, this seems pointless, and they’re quite happy to tell me so. “Why bother saving $3?” they’ll ask.

Area cheerleaders win 37th national championship of 2008

Local cheerleading boosters are jumping up and down over winning more than three dozen national championships in the first four months of the year.

It takes an outdoor store to save a Village

Well, well, well. I guess developers of the stalled Village at Riverwatch had an ace up their sleeves after all.

Thank you for the thank yous

Many readers related to my recent homecoming story.

On the Subject of Milk

For several years now, I have been an ardent supporter of organic milk. I can't remember what prompted me to make the switch, but I did and we all seemed to notice a difference. The milk tastes delicious and I feel good about serving it to my family.

My Own Personal Philosophizer

"Not everyone who has a cape can fly." -- Augie

Bride of Testosterhome

My brother is getting married this weekend! Hooray! We are so excited for Josh and Carolyn. It's going to be fun and wonderful -- and Carolyn is a perfect addition to our family, and we all love her dearly.

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but we are hosting the rehearsal dinner here, in our backyard, Friday night. What's that? I have red wine stains on my teeth? Where did those come from?

Yesterday, I took a picture of this incredible list I've been carrying around for the last two days. It is long and impressive. I was going to post it here for your viewing pleasure and then decided that might be more of me than you really wanted to enjoy. Just know that a) I have a List! and b) it is long! and impressive! (also, I have pretty handwriting.)

Here's another list, Valid Concerns Going Into The Weekend:

What if: The guests are in my backyard for the rehearsal dinner. Despite filling in the giant dirt hole, the boys have managed (in the time between getting home from school and leaving for the rehearsal) to dig another giant hole. A guest falls in. He is never heard from again.

What if: It is one hour before we should leave for the wedding. We start to get the boys dressed and discover I have not picked up their black pants from the dry-cleaners. The earth stops revolving, which in turn ruins the wedding.

What if: I slip on the marble floor as I walk down the aisle. I fall forward, breaking my teeth and (even worse) my dress flips up in the back. Time stands still, the earth stops revolving, the day is ruined.

What if...hmmm can't think of another. The falling thing really takes it out of me.

In other news, we ran out of milk yesterday! And let me tell you right now that "cutting back" on milk is going to take some serious effort around this joint. "No milk," one boy declared loudly. "What are we supposed to drink?" I explained that the clear liquid that comes out of the sink faucet is something they can (and should) use to quench their thirst.

It's going to be an adjustment, this whole quote Water Drinking Initiative unquote. We'll manage, I know. But I'm guessing they'll be even more of this sort of thing than before.

Future Gentlemen of America

“I,” said one boy, “am no gentleman.”

Audio Slideshow: The 2008 Masters in Photos

See The Augusta Chronicle's best photos from the 2008 Masters Tournament, set to music by local artists.

Yankees to Pope: Keep off the grass

The Pope's here in America for a visit. But for his stop at Yankee Stadium during the tour, the Pope’s entourage has been asked by officials to keep the PopeMobile off the grass at the stadium. Really.

Three dogs, two cats and flocks of birds inhabit woodcuts

Kent Ambler calls himself a born artist. He counts making drawings among his earliest memories.

Masters Week Photo Blog Final Part

One last update to the Masters behind the scenes blog with some interesting stats.

Best Friends

Felecia Thompson, left, and Christina Nazzaro are best friends.

Saving Money Versus Saving the World

A reader wrote in the following question: How should we balance frugality with social/environmental responsibility?

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 7

It's all over. Immelman the steady leader and Tiger who ran out of steam. We are waiting for the three computers to get back to the office today or tomorrow before updating with Sunday's final round!

Masters Tournament: What's the economic impact?

Determining how important the Masters Tournament is to the local economy will require some disclosure on the part of the Augusta National.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 6

As we gear up for Sunday's mad rush, here's a small update from yesterday's round and a little bit about putting a chair down on No. 18 at the crack of dawn this morning.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 5

With round two in the books, and the field cut in half (or so), the work will now get easier (that's relative) for the weekend.

Red Carpet Tour goes confidential

Does keeping the media away from the state's largest economic development tour hurt, or help, Georgia market itself?

Mother of Boys

As a woman who has repeatedly and exclusively birthed males, I am fairly confident that I don’t fit the bill as the "manly woman" this study has in mind.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 4

Chasing Tiger and keeping in touch with each other.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 3

Wednesday at the Masters is the Par 3 competition. Hole-in-ones, cute kids, and a huge crowd packed into a small (ish) space! Oh, and Rory Sabbatini won.

New cars, new homes

The Augusta National is steeped in history and tradition, but that doesn't mean things never change.

Bathtime at the O.K. Corral

Last night during our evening rituals, I heard one of the boys yelling about how someone had shot him in the rear. The reality of my life is that despite the loud noises, I figured (correctly) that there was really no need to run into the bathroom for more details, that I actually didn't want more details unless someone was injured or being inappropriate. And that second thought prompted me to go ahead and look into this.

I walked into the bathroom to find a nerf dart suctioned to the outside of the frosted shower door. There, on the inside, was a perfectly positioned bum pressed against the glass.

There's more than smoke in the air at the course

Cigars, Blackberry addicts, $10,000 paintings and some home-cookin' can be found on Azalea Drive

Dude.

Around here, we certainly have deep and meaningful conversations about life and love and my feelings on a variety of subjects. Or maybe I have that mixed up with our talks about weapons and war and the size of Chuck's pecs.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 2

Today, we look at the editing process and how our editors sort the thousands of images a day to the 30 or 40 that will make it into the paper and online

Masters Roundup: Gas, food and lodging

The Madison on the Green apartment complex on River Ridge Drive has long been a favorite shortcut for locals and Tournament regulars. Not anymore.

Masters Week Photo Blog Part 1

As the excitement of the Masters starts up again, the Augusta Chronicle staff figured this would be a good opportunity to show people what it is we do, and how we do it during the long week that is about to unfold.

A ghost in the (wrecking) machine

Business Reporter LaTina Emerson’s feature story on Thompson Building Wrecking Co. Inc. this week yielded more than just 50 years of family business history – some bona fide ghost stories were told.

In a perfect world, all athletes would be this honest.

"I'm a little bit of a ball hog," says Charlie. "I mean, I try to pass it when I can. But Elliott's not always open, so I have to just shoot it myself."

The First Money Talk: A Conversation Every Couple Needs to Have

At some point, as a relationship grows and becomes more serious between two people, questions begin to arise about long-term plans, particularly as it begins to become clear that at least a significant portion of two lives are going to overlap and become one.

The Proverbial Chicken (or egg)

Which came first?

The Madness of March

I’m not really down on March Madness. While my tone may signal a bit of agitation, I think it could be better described as amazement with a hint of fatigue.

There Will Be (Cold) Blood

"Mom," Elliott says with exasperation, "I don't understand what it means that a reptile is cold-blooded."

"It means," says Ethan, "that they shoot people when the people aren't looking."

High Society

I have not trained this child properly.

Pimento Cheese crisis threatens 2008 Masters

With food prices rising almost as rapidly as fuel prices, organizers for the Masters Tournament are realizing that not even their precious pimento cheese is safe from the situation.

To Which We All Say: Thank You Lord

Elliott looked at me utterly amazed.

"Mom," he said, "You've got some guns!"

Is Investing in Individual Stocks Merely Gambling - Or Something More?

Investing in individual stocks is basically gambling pretty much sums up the way I've felt since I tried investing in stocks. But is that the right lesson to take away from the experience?

Shut up, Monty!

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie isn't good enough any more to qualify for the Masters, so all he can do is sit at home and sob about not getting special consideration.