Business Perspectives
How to Turn a Swamp Into Money
How Beaver County’s Junction Park transformed a swamp into a trolley-era destination for affordable recreation, entertainment and community life.
The Fair, the Farm, and the Candidate in Clean Shoes
A look at Beaver County’s fair traditions, from Hookstown and Big Knob to tractor pulls, farm families, fair food and politicians courting rural voters.
The Sport of Kings, With Funnel Cake
Darlington Polo Club brings the sport of kings to Beaver County with night matches, dirt fields, family tradition, pickup trucks and funnel cake.
About That Warm, Fuzzy Feeling
Empathy matters, but compassion without consequences can mislead. Grandpa Jim explores why wisdom must ask what happens next.
Old Economy, New Lessons: Why Socialism Keeps Getting a Second Chance
Why socialism keeps returning, what history reveals about central planning, and how markets, social democracy, and communal experiments compare.
The People Who Built Economy — and Forgot to Reproduce
The story of the Harmony Society, Old Economy Village, and the celibate community that built wealth, industry, and a lasting legacy in Ambridge.
Yes, She Really Is That Into You
A humorous guide for older men on recognizing when a woman is interested, from subtle glances and mirroring to compliments, confidence, and companionship.
The Price We Pay for Hating Men
An argument against judging men or women as categories, exploring contempt, bias, relationships, and the social cost of replacing individuality with ideology.
A Good Walk Never Wasted
A witty history of golf in Beaver County, from Beaver Valley and Black Hawk to Olde Stonewall and hometown legend Bill “Putt” Gabal.
Learning to Hear the Music Beneath the Noise
A thoughtful review of Henri Nouwen’s Discernment, exploring attention, silence, identity, and learning to recognize God’s voice in ordinary life.
The Worst Idea Beaver County Ever Came Up With
A Newfoundland’s humorous take on Beaver County Boom 250, fireworks, Happy Hoodies, and surviving a loud night by the Ohio River.
Could the Secret to a Better Body Be Living In Your Gut?
A review of William Davis’s SUPER Body, exploring gut health, muscle preservation, mobility, and why strength may matter more than weight loss.
Make America Great? How About Making America Show Up?
A reflection on work ethic, effort, and why Beaver County’s economic future depends on people showing up and doing the work.
Smart Enough For Finger Paints: A Personal Journey
A personal reflection on intelligence, solitude, overthinking, empathy, self-doubt, curiosity, and finding people who share your wavelength.
When Rudyard Kipling Came to Beaver
Rudyard Kipling’s 1889 visit to Beaver reveals a small Pennsylvania town rich with history, hospitality, beauty, grief, and lasting character.
It’s Time To Break Out The Crystal Ball Again: The Defense and Innovation Summit Is Back
A sharp look at Pennsylvania’s Defense and Innovation Summit, Beaver County’s hopes for real industrial growth, and the need for actual jobs.
The Real Estate Business? Fuggedaboutit!
A sharp look at the struggling real estate business, slow housing sales, rising costs, and what it means for Beaver County’s future.
The Last Gasp of the Ribbon Cutters: Western Pennsylvania Edition
A sharp look at how chambers of commerce struggle to stay relevant in the digital age as innovation, entrepreneurship, and online networks outpace traditional business institutions.
A Tribute to Joe Negri: The Man Who Fixed Things, Mostly Melodies
A tribute to Joe Negri, the beloved jazz guitarist and Mister Rogers’ Handyman Negri, whose talent, humility, and kindness left a lasting legacy.
Sonny Rollins: The Gentleman Behind the Horn
A tribute to jazz legend Sonny Rollins, celebrating his extraordinary talent, humility, Pittsburgh connections, and enduring influence on American music.