Opinion

Eyebrows, artificial intelligence, and Frank Zappa

When most people hear “School of Rock,” they think of the 2003 Jack Black movie where he hijacks a classroom of private elementary school students, steers them away from classical music toward the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll, and enters the group into a local Battle of the Bands. It’s a cute flick that still holds up today, but I was lucky to be a part of a somewhat similar experience in my youth.

Read MoreEyebrows, artificial intelligence, and Frank Zappa

Roadside History – Saint John’s Church Waldrop

St. John’s Church Waldrop overlooks the Marquis Road. It is a small classical revival building from 1845 that was built by James R. Magruder and his carpenter Malcolm Crawford. The two men are also credited with building West End, a nearby plantation house in the Green Springs National Historic Landmark District. St. John’s today serves an active congregation dedicated to its place of worship and the preservation of its place in history.

Read MoreRoadside History – Saint John’s Church Waldrop

A town means community

The Mayor of the Town of Mineral is presently advancing an effort to annul the Town Charter. If successful, Mineral would cease to exist as an incorporated municipality and would instead become an unincorporated square‑mile area within Louisa County—known only as “formerly the Town of Mineral.” This initiative stands in stark contrast to Mayor Pam Harlowe’s 2025 campaign messaging, in which she asserted that her goal was to “save the Town.” She was also very vocal against this idea when it was briefly considered in 2021.

Read MoreA town means community

Blessed Assurance – Money lessons

Think back to when you were first taught about money…what do you remember? For me it was learning how to save money. I would get money as birthday gifts, tooth fairy leavings, an allowance, odd jobs for people. Mom and dad would ask that we give 10% to the church and then put the rest in the bank in a savings account. I can remember pulling up to the bank with the old pneumatic tube system and putting my money and my passbook into the tube and watching it whisk away like magic. My passbook would return with not only the new deposit added, but the new total in my savings account! It was a feeling of pride to know that I had money in the bank that I could use for things that I wanted (i.e., a bike, a puppy, a new baseball glove, etc).

Read MoreBlessed Assurance – Money lessons