Nutcracker Sweeeeet
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Thankful
Just wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am to live in a vibrant and complex community, with a family I love and friends as diverse and challenging as Chuck and the gang here at the Lakeland Local/Metro I4 News free media empire. That includes you, readers. And I’m thankful to live in a country that acknowledges the right of a loudmouth like me to be loudmouth. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Actually, Jack Myers Loves Government
I read with some interest a few weeks ago that Polk County Commissioner Jack Myers plans to run for Paula Dockery’s Florida senate seat. I read with particular interest his brief rationale for running: “Everyone needs jobs. Everyone needs less government,” Myers, a Republican, said Saturday. Ah yes, less government. If there’s anything Jack is about, it’s less government. Riiight. For starters, after running hard in 2000 against the relatively modest gas tax approved by the 1999 County Commission, he voted in 2005 for the largest tax increase in Pol

A New Way to Make Green Bean Casserole This Year!
The first time I made this was back in 2005 from a church cook book. Not sure who gets the credit, but I did not create this recipe. When you go shopping be sure to take your green bags! Happy Cooking. 1 (10 3/4 oz) Can of Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup* 4 Cups cooked cut green beans (4 cups = 2 cans) If you get canned green beans it’s ok to get no salt added, you can’t tell the difference when all mixed… 3/4 cup milk 1 1/3 cups French’s french-fried onions 1/2 teaspoon pepper Drain and rinse green beans. Also it is good to add a little lemon juice on green beans before mixing with everything, if you want to.

Spread Some Holiday Cheer With Canned Tuna
If you’re looking for a fun activity that also will help people in need this holiday season, you might consider participating in VISTE’s Bumble Bee