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Diamonds to the life and work of Mary Tyler Moore, and yes it is rare this space reflects on national figures who have no direct connection to the area. But Moore’s television characters managed to embody much of what area residents see in themselves — often unassuming and caring while maintaining an assertiveness that moves things forward without mowing people down. Tenacity in doing right without being obnoxious. Her most famous characters of Laura Petrie in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and Mary Richards in her eponymous sitcom that revolutionized the way women were portrayed in entertainment without offending viewers. Her fictitious television news boss, Lou Grant, said, “You’ve got spunk,” setting up his punchline, “I hate spunk.” But truth is, Moore created characters you wanted living next door.

Coal to Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat and his administration for drafting a new, complex business license form without more input from those who must fill it out and from his own city council. Cusat may have good intentions in a quest to combat fraudulent business in the city, but this form seems to go to far, seeking too much information the city has scant cause to collect. And if someone is willing to run a phony front in the city, does Cusat really think they would be beyond forgery and deceit in completing the forms? There have to be better ways to combat shady businesses without driving honest ones away.

Diamonds to SCI-Dallas and nonprofit American VetDogs for implementing a promising puppy program at the prison. The notion of letting prisoners raise dogs who will become companions of military veterans sounds like a true win-win. Prisoners enjoy the companionship of a pet while learning to appreciate the demands and responsibilities of caring for a living companion. “The dogs give us a purpose,” one inmate said. “They add a little humanity to our life.” In a system that can be intrinsically dehumanizing — prisoners get numbers, uniforms and the same accommodations regardless of who they are — that is surely a good thing.

Coal to the forces that led to the demise of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, which will make its final appearance in this area April 6 through 9. And no, this isn’t a dig at the rights activists who pushed for years to remove elephants — and for that matter, most other animal acts — from this and other circuses. As terrific as it is to see elephants, big cats and other exotic creatures come to town, it’s hard to enjoy them without thinking about how far removed they are from their natural lives. Bigger changes likely meant as much in ending the circus as the decision to stop touring with elephants. We live in an internet, instant-gratification world where communal entertainment — especially live entertainment — keeps declining, and the circus didn’t seem to keep up with the times. What will kids dream of “running away with” now?

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