THUMBS UP: To everyone who has either donated already or who plans to donate blood or platelets at the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center on Bemiss Road this summer. One donation can help to save the lives of up to three people. People with O- type blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of all blood types. It is the blood type most often used in an emergency and with newborns; however, only 7 percent of the population has O- blood. According to American Red Cross officials in the Southern Region, “Blood has been called the river of life because it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. (It) ... is essential to life, a precious gift that you can share as a volunteer donor.” Every two seconds a person needs blood in the United States.
THUMBS UP: To those parents who will make it a priority to share with their children the meaning of Independence Day today. Independence Day is a time to honor the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is more than just a day to eat hot dogs, spit a few watermelon seeds, enjoy a parade, or burn your fingers while holding onto a sparkler.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who played a little golf in the annual Valdosta Open this past weekend. It was hot, but more than 40 golfers showed up and raised some much-needed funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. With a location on Lake Laurie Drive and Toombs Street in Valdosta and a total of three locations in Brooks County, the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta strives “to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as moral, responsible, caring and productive citizens.”
THUMBS DOWN: To people who care only about themselves, often at the expense of those around them. This is especially true in the workplace. As the economy struggles and companies attempt to stay afloat by doing more with less, it is important that everyone be a team player, watch each other’s back and do what needs to be done. In terms of a professional environment, a true team player is an employee who can be counted on to do his or her part of the work and be relied upon to complete tasks and work cooperatively with others. Basically each team member must do his or her part, move beyond any personal issues or office politics, treat each other with respect and get the job done.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
