Free Republic

Everyone has memories they cherish from times when they were growing up. I have many memories, but none of them are as memorable as the ones I have of the Summer of “73”. That Summer holds some of the most cherished memories of my teen years. Not so much because of what I did that Summer, but more because of the woman I met who treated me like the son she never had. It was long before I gave my life to Christ, but a time that helped influence the Christian I would one day become. If for no...

Sen. David R. Brinkley has proposed legislation to the Maryland General Assembly that would ban registered sex offenders from working at area fairs and carnivals. Brinkley (R), who represents both Carroll and Frederick counties, said Senate Bill 337 is a result of a story published in The Gazette last September exposing a registered sex offender working the rides at The Great Frederick Fair. ‘‘A constituent called me and said ‘Why isn’t this illegal,’” Brinkley said. ‘‘So we sent a letter to the secretary of Labor and Licensing and he said they have no control over it, they just have control...

LONDON (Reuters) - Funfairs could come under pressure this summer to scrap the age-old tradition of giving away goldfish as prizes because the practice is seen as cruel. Reuters Photo Winning a goldfish in a plastic bag, as synonymous with funfairs as candy floss and a ride on the dodgems, may be on the way out if the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has its way. "We would like to see the end of goldfish in little plastic bags," a spokeswoman for the animal welfare group said on Monday. "The fish can suffer stress and can...