I’m appalled at being called a Nazi and a racist by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse because I may not share his political views. This is still America, a country I love and whose culture, traditions and Constitution I deeply cherish.

***

New Year’s resolutions:

To continue not smoking - Shani Kitchin

To give more hugs to my grandkids - John Leyon

To do more stuff for myself - Katie Westall

To spend more time studying - Megan Rice

To take better care of myself so I can be a better person - Karen Gordon

To be organized, especially in my house - Karen Rafanelli

To pester Mary Wright relentlessly until she agrees that the next production of the JCT should be “The Wizard of Oz” - Ed Silvia

To be more grateful and patriotic - Cathy Jamieson

To go back to Australia - Kerin Benson

To be less selfish - Matt Rafanelli

To help make sure that the Jamestown Art Center gets up and running, and is successful - Dianne Grippi

To take time to enjoy everything around me - Christie Beebe

To do more to make myself better - Bonnie Jamison

To do nothing differently - Laura Brown

To reach the next one - Rich Berthelot

To be neighborly - Jack the dog

To be more diligent in recognizing those who would take away our freedoms - Walrus

We’re hearing good things about Sergio’s Italian Ristorante, located where Heffie’s used to be just over the bridge in Saunderstown.

***

What is the reason for the two blackouts, one early Sunday morning and the other about a week before that?

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Welcome to the island Harry III, a little over one-year-old male black tiger kitten with double paws and a “purr that sounds like a Diesel engine,” adopted by Ann Garnett from the Potter League for Animals. Two Harrys of similar appearance preceded the latest kitten. Ann said he is a great guy who’s observing his new surroundings and is a great addition to the family.

The family includes two 10-yearold dogs – Rosie, a Keeshond, and Ruby, a black Lab. There are also three cats – Charlotte, 15; yellowcolored Banana, 10, who weighs 17 1/2 pounds; and Rudy Guliani, an 8-year-old brown tiger cat rescued from the World Trade Center right after 9/11. With the exception of Rudy, all the cats were adopted from the Potter League.

***

Anna Cotill-Templeton was 84 on Christmas day. Hugs, please.

*** We read that airline security was tightened after a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane over Detroit. Why isn’t it tight all the time?

***

After just finishing shoveling out her driveway after the snowstorm, Trish O’Brien heard the plows coming. Thinking she was about to get plowed in after all her physical efforts, she retired to her house to rest. Returning outside to continue shoveling, she happily discovered the driveway was still clear and she had not been plowed in.

She called the Highway Department to thank the workers and was told the department was making every effort to keep the driveways clear.

KUDOS to the town workers.

***

What is the error inherent in the title of the great sound track song “Dueling Banjos” from the movie “Deliverance?” John A. Murphy, who posed the question, says the answer is ...there was no dueling between banjos! It was a duel between a guitar and a banjo, both in the movie and on the hit record by the same title.

***

In the movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” Santa Claus’ real life name is Kris Kringle.

***

A Snapple cap moment: Meteorologists claim they’re right 85% of the time.

*** Tonight is a Blue Moon.

***

Goodbye 2009. Hello 2010. May you all be healthy and happy in the New Year.

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Call in your stuff to 423-0383 or 829-2760, or email us at jtnwalrus@ hotmail.com.