A penny saved is a penny earned Ben Franklin once observed in a catchy saying that no doubt had more significance in his time than it might appear to have today.

Time magazine has published another one of those silly and meaningless lists some in the media occasionally and irritatingly compile to validate their self-importance. It is the 100 "most influential people in the world." I didn't make it, but then I don't make other lists like People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive," which must be an oversight.

The psychology of victimhood and the politics of envy are powerful political tools and we see them being exploited this political season. Politicians telling Americans how bad off we are reminds me of one of Aesop's Fables where a dog was carrying a piece of meat across a bridge. Looking down into the river, he saw his shadow, which appeared to him as another dog carrying a larger piece of meat. Attacking the "other" dog, he dropped his piece of meat into the river and it was gone for good. Aesop's lesson is something to keep in mind as politicians offer their solutions to income inequality.

While sitting on the porch the other day, I took another long look at Tyler. What an experience this place has been.

I do love a tax cut. Both in principle and in practice, my heart sings at the thought of giving the government less of my money.

Many folks, like me, get grossed out when faced with preparing a chicken dinner from scratch. The skin's texture or the task of breaking joints while cutting up a whole chicken can rattle even an experienced cook.

It may sound like a threatening, predatory dinosaur, but a “Raptor” can be found inside seven Tyler ISD elementary schools protecting students and helping the staff keep track of visitors.

Seven death-row residents are one step closer to being put to death for Smith County capital murders dating to 1990.

By CINDY MALLETTE

Police say false reports take up time, use manpower that could be employed elsewhere and sometimes jab an accusatory finger at an innocent person. But why do people tell police and others stories that could land themselves in the clink?

Being a regional reporter means a lot of time on the road and, for me, that means treks through Henderson and Cherokee counties to cover meetings, major events and other happenings.

We didn’t observe Mother’s Day much at my house when I was growing up. Mom thought it was “sentimental hogwash” (her words). She would even send notes so that I could be excused from participating in classroom Mother’s Day projects—card making, picture drawing, poem writing and the like. She found it maudlin and sappy and didn’t want “all that fuss.”

It seems there are scams all over the place these days. You’ve won the lottery of some obscure country or a needy millionaire in Europe is seeking your help transferring funds to the United States.

With the hot summer months quickly approaching, May is designated as the national melanoma and skin cancer prevention and detection month. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and the number of new cases diagnosed each year is quickly on the rise in the United States. The good news is that melanoma can be prevented. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is the most preventable cause of melanoma and all other types of skin cancers.

At this time of year, I am very grateful for my family.

Nobody likes a clog. Sometimes it's in a tub, or a high school hallway - all are really quite unfortunate - but there's one particular clog I encounter in Tyler more than most: the lackadaisical, left-lane driver.