Safety First-then laughter

A belated "Thanks, I think," to C. C., who posted on my Facebook page, "when i first read your column i almost fell off the toilet laughing. you named names and well, said things. thank you for that. i understand that in a small town, you can only go so far. and so again, thank you." ...A word of advice, C, if you're going to be reading and laughing in there, install a handrail.

J. V. emailed the Citizen a COW nomination, but mentioned Jim White in one spot and called him Jim Wilson in another. Plus, there was no picture, and you know our editor loves to embarrass COWs by insisting on running a photo, no matter how driver's license gruesome ... soo the nomination couldn't fly in the COW spot on the front page. Nevertheless, just about anything flies on this page, (including pigs) so ... here are J's appreciative words:

"Thanks to good Samaritans Jim White and friend, Paul for coming to my aid when I got lost hiking. Jim's picturesque log cabin home is along the tracks of our local Eureka Springs Railroad. It felt welcoming and safe to knock on that door. When Jim learned that I had been walking for hours, he insisted on driving me to my car. Paul gave me water and a Zone bar. They both showed real concern for me, which was very touching. They were so kind and prove that chivalry is indeed alive in Eureka Springs, Arkansas." -J.V.

So, ball caps off to Paul, and Jim White or Wilson, for being on the fair damsel alert and making us guys look good.

Saw an interesting bit of bulk emailage (multiple times, in fact, due to the lethal "pass this on to everyone you know" tag at the end) that actually included an intelligent idea. ... Instead of big box shopping, help the economy by giving gifts that help the economy ...ours, not China's. Pay for an evening of babysitting, hire a geek to fix your buddy's computer, give a certificate for the spa, the farmers' market, a shop or local eatery. Everybody wins. ...You get the idea.

And you can pass your ideas on to me at oliverdeplace@hotmail.com.