Bad News

Last week we learned that Chevron and its drilling partners discovered oil deep in the Gulf of Mexico. This new field will yield between three and 15 billion barrels of oil. Analysts believe it is the most significant find since Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. Recall, major oil discoveries at Prudhoe Bay, in the North Sea, and in Mexico followed the last major spike in oil prices in the 1970s. It also is worth remembering that we do not allow exploration in parts of Alaska, off the East Coast, and parts of the West Coast.

A report on the health of Kentuckians released this week by the University of Kentucky contains good news and bad news for Lincoln Countians. Which do you want first? The good news is that breast and prostrate cancer death rates are low here. We have low rates of diabetes and obesity, and good oral health. That's according to the report. The bad news is that colorectal and lung cancer deaths are abnormally high. The report lists other of what it calls challenges for Lincoln Countians: physical inactivity, high rates of smoking, high school graduation, motor vehicle deaths, availability of primary-care physicians, uninsured population, and infant mortality.

Yes. We admit it. We try to sell our product. As much of it as possible. It's what we live for. In a free market economy, there's no shame in that. What do you live for? Apparently, basketball. Anything basketball. Everything basketball. In Kentucky, there's no shame in that, either. And last week, it was anything Tubby - (Smith, that is) - that sold papers, tuned in broadcast outlets and slammed Web sites. Listening, watching and reading the Kentucky media on Thursday afternoon and Friday was a predictable, but still amazing experience.

Dear Editor: It's interesting how companies state things when it is bad news for us, the consumers. I refer to the rate increase by LG&E Energy - serving us through Kentucky Utilities - of $6 a month for customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours. First question: How many customers use that precise amount? Second question: What is the actual percentage increase in the rates? Can't answer the first, but the figures cited amount to six-tenths (0.6) of a cent per kilowatt hour.

Yes. We admit it. We try to sell our product. As much of it as possible. It's what we live for. In a free market economy, there's no shame in that. What do you live for? Apparently, basketball. Anything basketball. Everything basketball. In Kentucky, there's no shame in that, either. And last week, it was anything Tubby - (Smith, that is) - that sold papers, tuned in broadcast outlets and slammed Web sites. Listening, watching and reading the Kentucky media on Thursday afternoon and Friday was a predictable, but still amazing experience.

May 16, 1983 Carl Brashear, son of Carolyn Howard, 115 Holiday Road, and William B. Brashear, Winter Garden, Fla., has been named to the spring term Dean's List at Centre College in Danville. The Dean's List recognizes those students who rank in the top 15 percent of the student body. Brashear is a sophomore. LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Kentucky's farmers, like others across the nation, are planting fewer acres for most spring crops.

Dear Editor, In the 1930s, the United States of America suffered a great economic depression so severe that in Chicago, Ill., most everyone was jobless or homeless. Food lines and government handouts were the only way to stay alive. Men became so desperate that they humbled themselves, bowed their knees and started prayer meetings all over Chicago. I do not wish to be the bearer of bad news or doom and gloom forecasts for America. But this nation and its people have turned their backs on God and his son the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bill's Carryout capped an exciting finish in the Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation fall softball league by winning the tournament title earlier this week. The team edged the Skyball Bombers in the semifinals, before defeating Southwind Golf Course in the final game of the tournament. Southwind handed Steph's Bags a 10-0 setback in the opening round, while Bill's held off a late rally by the Bombers. During the regular season, three teams - Southwind, Bill's Carryout and the Skyball Bombers finished in a tie for first with a 9-1 record and received a first-place trophy.