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The background that made the revolution possible

Columns

As we inch toward the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let me share a couple of reflections on the background of how this extraordinary, unprecedented and daring event succeeded. Two decades ago, I set out to write a book about the events known as the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89. I suspected that this revolution — the ouster of the Catholic King James II of England and the installation of his Protestant son-in-law (and nephew) William III and daughter Mary I — was helpful, perhaps a necessary precursor of the American Revolution. “Our ...

Leg cramps and digit spasms occur due to lactose intolerance

Columns

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 74-year-old woman who’s quite healthy (I am active and don’t take any medications), but I have a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Recently, I experienced bad-smelling gas, leg cramps, and finger and toe spasms. I quit eating milk products, and my symptoms almost immediately disappeared. My question is: Do food intolerances increase with age? Also, can leg cramps and digit spasms be attributed to a food intolerance? — H.W. ANSWER: The most likely diagnosis is lactose intolerance. This is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which is ...

Pride isn’t about labels. It’s about making sure our kids feel loved.

Columns

Last weekend, our family participated in the local pride parade with a group from my husband’s work. Before the parade, our son wanted to get a pride flag to wave. He has always loved flags and can identify the flags for most countries of the world. Flags are powerful symbols of identity, which is why the artist Gilbert Baker chose to make a rainbow flag the symbol of gay pride in 1978. It wasn’t until the 1990s that pride flags multiplied and got more specific. Like most human traits, sexuality and gender identification exists on a spectrum. So having different pride flags is a ...

KCSD: Time to cut back

Letters to the editor

James (Jim) Nelson Loganton The Keystone Central School District has drifted away from its core mission of education and now operates more like a country club than a public school system. Taxpayers deserve accountability, and families should share responsibility for the services they use. The following areas offer clear opportunities for meaningful reductions: 1. Implement a School Bus Transportation Fee Families should contribute to busing costs. A reasonable starting point is a $200 annual fee per student. Parents received substantial financial support during COVID and through ...

Deflecting pool vandalism?

Letters to the editor

Robert O’Conner Lock Haven The ongoing saga of the problem with the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has now been labeled as “vandalism” by President Trump. After millions of taxpayer dollars spent to make the pool “big” and “beautiful” for our country’s 205th, the pool, now known as the Lincoln Lagoon, is full of algae with the recently applied liner peeling off the bottom, providing memorable tourist souvenirs. Consider these facts when digesting the “vandalism” label: Approximately 16 million dollars has been paid to two NO-BID ...

Interest in patriotic items surges ahead of 250th

Columns

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans are looking to the past. Fifty years ago, the country celebrated its bicentennial, and commemorative items are still collectible. This celebratory redware pottery platter, featuring the dates ...