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Columns

John Brown through a new lens

“Cloudsplitter: A Novel,” by Russell Banks, is a 750-page missive that tells the story of John Brown’s lifelong fight against slavery through his son, Owen’s, eyes. The author lived in Keene, New York, for many years until his death in 2023. He wrote poetry, short stories and 12 ...

Unlikely hero

Anyone who knows me well knows I’m competitive. Board games, cards, checkers, it doesn’t matter. I believe if you don’t play to win, then why play at all. It’s something in my genes. How competitive am I? It depends, but there was the time my best friend from college, Scott Smith, and ...

Full snow moon ski

Is it ironic or a self-fulfilling prophecy that the upcoming Feb. 1 full moon is called the Snow Moon? After roof raking our way out of the most recent snowmageddon, I want to enjoy the snow without having to fear my pipes will freeze or that my furnace will pull a no-show. Dripping water from ...

Test your vehicle and traffic law I.Q. — 2026 answers

Last week’s column presented 20 questions on vehicle and traffic law (VTL) and traffic safety. Hopefully you took the test and kept your answers. This column repeats the questions and gives the correct answers. I hope you got at least 90% correct. - True or False - 1. If your vehicle ...

Time for chili

Brr! It was a cold weekend in the Adirondacks. When the weather chills, we crave wholesome, starchy food. Enter chili, with bold spices and fresh flavor. Chili is always a crowd pleaser — and everyone has a unique recipe. Vegetarian, vegan, paleo, meat — they’re all different. Even the ...