The Spark

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, June 12, 2018: The Centers for Disease Control reported last week that suicide rates have increased — dramatically — across the country from 1999 to 2016.  The CDC said suicide rates went up in 49 states.  Nevada had a 1% decrease during that time period and was … Continue reading "Why have suicide deaths increased so dramatically?"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, June 13, 2018: There are very few brand names that are recognized around the world for their history, quality and prestige.  But Harley-Davidson motorcycles is one of those brands.  Started in the early 1900s Harley-Davidson quickly became a standard for motorcycles.  Those who own or ride Harley-Davidson … Continue reading "Road Trip to York Harley-Davidson"

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, June 12, 2018: The Centers for Disease Control reported last week that suicide rates have increased — dramatically — across the country from 1999 to 2016.  The CDC said suicide rates went up in 49 states.  Nevada had a 1% decrease during that time period and was … Continue reading "Why have suicide deaths increased so dramatically?"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, June 11, 2018: Have you made your vacation plans for this summer?  Whether you’re traveling to the beach or mountains or just lounging by the pool or staying cool in an air conditioned house, a good book is probably an essential part of your efforts to relax. … Continue reading "Books to read this summer"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, June 8, 2018: One of the main complaints about the Affordable Care Act since its inception was that health insurance premiums on the exchange got more expensive every year — increasing by double digits.  Most people who purchased insurance through the exchanges didn’t pay full price due … Continue reading "ACA rate hikes almost 5% more in PA/Capitol week-in-review"

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, June 7, 2018: How often have driven into a city or town to be greeted by a sign that said “Welcome to historic” whatever the name of the city or town is?  Some places’ history is obvious because they played a significant role in the state or … Continue reading "Preserving PA history"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, June 6, 2018: Our Babies, Our Future: The Science Behind Early Childhood Education for Children and Families is an event that scheduled for next Friday, June 15th in Chambersburg.  Promotions for the event says that “each and every person has the opportunity to impact the future of … Continue reading "Science behind early childhood education/Volcanoes"

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, June 5, 2018: Whether we realize it or not, most of us get into a conversation about the weather every single day — even if it’s just small talk when greeting someone. Let’s face it — what happens outside influences what we do and how we live … Continue reading "Your weather questions answered like when will it stop raining?"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, June 4, 2018: One of the top stories almost halfway through 2018 is Pennsylvania’s how and where Pennsylvania’s Congressional district boundaries are drawn. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in a lawsuit brought by the League of Women Voters that the state’s Congressional boundaries were gerrymandered after the … Continue reading "Sen. Mike Folmer talks redistricting/’93 Harrisburg Senators"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, June 1, 2018: Violent crime rates have been falling for the past 25 years — especially in larger cities.  That doesn’t mean crime is not a problem — there just aren’t as many of them statistically. In mid-state cities like Harrisburg, Lancaster and York, violent crimes are … Continue reading "What’s behind “Don’t snitch?”"