There was a time when logging into Facebook felt like walking into a digital backyard BBQ. You’d see photos of your cousin’s new puppy, read a quick update on a friend’s promotion, and engage in the kind of idle chitchat that keeps relationships alive across distances. But those days are long gone. Today, the platform has transformed into something unrecognizable—a cluttered, untrustworthy landscape where the “social” aspect has been buried under layers of noise.

A Landscape of Fiction

The most alarming shift is the total erosion of truth. Your feed is no longer a reflection of reality; it is loaded with posts that purport to be news stories but are actually totally fictitious. Whether it’s politically motivated misinformation or clickbait designed to trigger an emotional response, you can no longer believe anything in a Facebook post. The platform that once connected us to the truth of each other’s lives now forces us to navigate a minefield of lies.

The Ad-to-Friend Ratio

Even if you’re willing to look past the fake news, you have to find the actual content first. The ratio of ads to real social media posts has spiraled out of control. It’s no longer a social network with occasional sponsored content; it’s an advertising platform that occasionally shows you a friend’s update. You often have to scroll through pages of absolute crap—sponsored posts for products you don’t want and “suggested” content from pages you don’t follow—just to find a single post from an actual friend.

The End of Fact-Checking

The problem isn’t just the algorithms; it’s the users themselves. Even when a real person posts, it often contains errors in fact. In the rush to be the first to share a “viral” story, people no longer bother to fact-check before publishing a rumor. This culture of misinformation is self-perpetuating, turning every personal profile into a potential source of fake news.

The Rise of the AI Mirage

Adding fuel to the fire is the emergence of AI-generated content. With AI-generated memes and hyper-realistic images becoming commonplace, it is even harder to tell the real from the imaginary. When you can’t trust your eyes, the value of the platform as a tool for connection vanishes. The social has gone out of Facebook, leaving behind a hollow shell of a platform that prioritizes engagement metrics over human sincerity.

In loving memory of my dear wife of 58 years. I miss her so much.

Donna Lynn (Moreside) Rice, of the Greshamville Community, passed away at her residence on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17, 1946, to the late Douglas Alton Moreside and Clara Geneva (Mosher) Moreside.

Donna married her loving husband, LeRoy Rice, on September 1, 1967, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, sharing 58 years of marriage. They moved to Greshamville twenty years ago from Norcross, GA, and had also lived in Barrhaven, Ontario, Canada, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She was a dedicated member of Fork Chapel Methodist Church and the Fork Chapel Women of Faith. Donna was devoted to her husband and children and was the rock on which her family stood. For recreation she enjoyed reading (she particularly liked the novels by Danielle Steel), cross stitch and quilting.

She is survived by her husband, Walter LeRoy Rice; her children: daughter, Cherie Dawn Rice of Austell, GA; sons, Adam Christopher Rice of Statham, GA, and Walter Douglas Rice of Cumming, GA; and her brothers: Colonel (retired) Douglas (Consie) Moreside of Orleans, Ontario, Canada, and Dwight (Cheryl) Moreside of Cornwall, PEI, Canada.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Fork Chapel Methodist Church at 1401 Farmington Road in Greshamville, with Dr. William Neely officiating. Interment will follow at Fork Chapel Cemetery with Billy Duvall, Will Duvall, Adam Rice, Walter Rice, Doug Nelson and Herbie Daniel serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to “AMCSI | Global Support for Arthrogryposis (AMC)” at https://amcsupport.org. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is handling the arrangements. You may visit www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book

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Introduction

Armadillos may look like harmless, armor-plated oddities, but for farmers, ranchers, and homeowners across Georgia, these creatures are fast becoming a major nuisance. Known for their extensive burrowing habits and appetite for insects, armadillos in Georgia are wreaking havoc on properties and posing serious threats to livestock. With rising populations spreading throughout the state, understanding their impact—and how to stop them—is more important than ever.

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Where Are Armadillos Found in the U.S.?

Armadillos are native to South and Central America, but in recent decades, they’ve steadily migrated northward. In the U.S., they’re most common in the southeastern states—especially Texas, Florida, Alabama, and increasingly, Georgia.

Why Georgia Is Prime Territory

Georgia’s mild winters, ample vegetation, and insect-rich soil make it ideal for the nine-banded armadillo. As their population expands, they’ve made their way into rural farmlands, suburban yards, and even urban landscapes.

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Identifying the Nine-Banded Armadillo

These nocturnal mammals are about the size of a small cat or rabbit, covered in a tough, leathery shell. The nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the U.S. and is known for:

• Its ability to dig burrows up to 15 feet long.
• A diet that includes grubs, beetles, and other soil insects.
• Breeding habits that result in identical quadruplets every year.

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How Armadillos Damage Property in Georgia

Armadillos don’t just dig—they dig a lot. Their burrowing can undermine foundations, crack driveways, and damage irrigation systems. Homeowners often wake up to find their carefully tended lawns looking like a minefield.

Structural and Landscaping Issues

• Burrows near foundations may cause cracking or settling.
• Tunnels beneath sidewalks and patios can lead to collapse.
• Disturbed mulch, overturned sod, and uprooted plants are common sights.

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The Hidden Dangers to Livestock

While property damage is costly, the real danger of armadillos in Georgia is what they can do to your animals. Livestock are particularly vulnerable to hidden holes created by armadillo burrows.

Injury Risks to Animals

• Horses and cows can break legs stepping into unseen holes.
• Goats and sheep may suffer foot injuries.
• Veterinary bills from such injuries can quickly add up.

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Armadillos and Agriculture: A Costly Menace

Farmers are seeing more than just disturbed pastures. Armadillos can disrupt rows of crops, dig up seedlings, and even damage drip irrigation systems buried underground.

Agricultural Damage	Impact
Crop root disturbance	Reduced yields
Soil structure disruption	Compromised planting
Equipment damage	Costly repairs

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Health Risks Associated With Armadillos

While rare, armadillos can carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy. There’s also concern about Salmonella, which can be transferred through contact with soil they’ve disturbed.

Important Note: Always wear gloves when handling traps, carcasses, or contaminated soil, and wash hands thoroughly.

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How to Tell if Armadillos Are on Your Property

Watch for signs such as:

• Cone-shaped holes in the yard, about 3-5 inches wide.
• Rooted-up garden beds or sod.
• Nocturnal noises or sightings on security cameras.

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Natural Predators and Ecosystem Role

Although armadillos contribute to insect control and aerate soil through digging, their downsides often outweigh the benefits—especially when they threaten livestock and property.

Predators like coyotes and bobcats may help keep numbers down in the wild, but in suburban areas, natural controls are limited.

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Legal Status and Wildlife Regulations in Georgia

In Georgia, armadillos are not protected by law. This means property owners can legally remove them without a special permit.

However, trapping and relocating them may fall under wildlife transport laws. It’s recommended to check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before taking action.

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Effective Armadillo Control Methods

Here are the best methods for controlling armadillos:

Trapping

• Live cage traps baited with worms or spoiled fruit work well.
• Position traps along fences or near active burrows.

Fencing

• Bury fences at least 18 inches underground.
• Angle outward to prevent burrowing underneath.

Habitat Modification

• Remove woodpiles and dense vegetation.
• Keep lawns mowed and reduce water sources to discourage insects.

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Professional Armadillo Removal Services

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. That’s where professionals come in.

• Wildlife control services can humanely trap and relocate armadillos.
• Cost varies by provider but often ranges from $150 to $300 per removal.
• Experts can also seal burrows and install preventive barriers.

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DIY Armadillo Prevention Tips

• Spread cayenne pepper or castor oil granules near digging sites.
• Use motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellents.
• Avoid feeding pets outside, which may attract insects and armadillos alike.

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Case Studies From Georgia Farms

One farmer in Valdosta reported losing three calves after leg injuries from burrows. Another in Athens had to reseed his lawn three times due to armadillo damage. These are not isolated cases—reports are growing each year.

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Environmental Considerations and Ethics

Although they’re a nuisance, armadillos are still part of Georgia’s evolving ecosystem. When possible, humane trapping and relocation are preferred over lethal methods.

There is a culture these days of violent resistance to anyone of authority. We see it in the news every evening; people violently resisting a lawful arrest when they are apprehended for a crime. The news story usually concludes with the criminal’s family loudly complaining that, just because their family member was a criminal and was breaking the law, the police should not use any form of force to arrest them when they resist the lawful arrest. The march on the US Capitol was another example of people breaking the law because they felt that no government body had authority over what they wanted.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome he points out that God is the ultimate authority. But, persons of authority on earth exist at the will of God. If you resist authority, you are ultimately resisting the will of God. Something to think about when you see a news story of people violently resisting authority.

Romans 13 – King James Version

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

There has been a lot of rhetoric in the media and in the government lately about the latest political diversion catch phrase; “gun violence”. Yet again the government and the media are attempting to divert our attention away from the real problems with present day society and the unacceptable increases in violence in the American society.

There is no question that violence in the US has increased over the last 100 years or so. It seems like each generation is more violent than the last. There are hundreds or thousands of reasons. The list below is a tiny part of a much longer list:

• uncontrolled bullying in schools
• increasing violence in the media
• the decline of the positive influences on children by a stable family life
• the decline in religious affiliations
• overcrowding in the schools
• a country that is constantly declaring war on countries and governments they don’t approve of
• peer pressure from social media
• the US is the most adept country in the world at training every new generation for war then sending them to foreign countries to kill foreign nationals for esoteric political views
• the almost uncontrolled rise in the illegal drug trade
• the almost uncontrolled rise in the membership in violent gangs
• a lenient court system
• Cabin Fever as a result of a multi year government lock down of the entire country

Citizens are demanding that governments act to control the the violence in our society. However, as mentioned, it is a multi faceted problem that will take years and fundamental societal changes to solve. Therein lies the problem. Politicians do not tackle difficult problems. Their horizon ends at the next election. Any problem that can not be solved in one term will likely be ignored.

So, classic diversion tactics, when the people are demanding immediate action on a problem that can not be immediately solved, you divert their attention to another issue that you can address. In this case, you coin the term “gun violence” then put the emphasis on the “gun” instead of the “violence“. Then you rush through a bunch of new, ineffective laws against the gun instead of addressing the violence in our society. Let the next administration deal with that because it is hard and if you try to fix it you may fail, and failure is not good for your chances in the next election.

For nearly the last hundred the government has passed ever increasing levels of gun laws to address the “bad gun du jour”. Yet in that same period, “gun violence” in the US has steadily increased. Hmm, what does that tell you, new laws do not fix the problem with violent people in society! Yet we just keep doing it. This sort of reminds me of the old military adage; “in the face of imminent defeat, retreat and declare victory”.

• In the 30s it was machine guns and sawed off shotguns that were the bad guns causing all the violent crime so lets tax them out of existance.
• in 1968 it was mail order guns, under age gun buyers, and unregulated gun dealers i.e. easy access to guns was the problem to be solved. So the government passed the most complem and sweeping set of gun control laws ever. This was to be a permanent fix to the “gun violence”problem.
• Also in the 60s lets not forget the dreaded “Saturday night special” i.e small cheap handguns were the thing to be hated for causing all the violent crime. So we enacted laws to prevent small handguns from being imported or manufactured domestically.
• in 1994, the problem was cheap SKS rifles being imported from China. SKSs could be imported from any one of the other countries that manufactured them, but not from China (a real common sense violence control measure ?). Owning an SKS rifle is OK as long as it costs more.
• Also in 1994 the ill fated Clinton Assault Weapons Ban. Banned a hodgepodge of rifles that the government had defined as assault rifles. Magazines with capacities of greater than 10 rounds of ammunition were also banned. This law was allowed to expire in 2004 since it had no measurable effect on violent crime
• The 2022 Gun Safety Bill https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/25/politics/biden-signs-gun-bill/index.html . The latest and greatest diversion by a government who avoids the real issue because it is too complex to even contemplate.

A number of shootings in Atlanta appear to be related to warring rival teenage gangs. There has been a number of instances of a shooter, trying to attack a rival, and spraying multiple bullets into a crowd of innocent bystanders killing or wounding several people, including small children, who just happen to be in the wrong place. When we have people without the smallest amount of moral character, to the point that they have zero regard for human life; how does anyone believe the new laws will fix that problem. That’s the problem that needs to be fixed, a whole generation of young people who have never been taught moral values and value for human life.

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Following is a Chronology of Gun Control Laws Over the Last 100 Years

National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934

The NFA of 1934 was the first attempt at federal gun control legislation in the USA. The “Roaring 30s was a period of rising “gangster violence”. The government determined that short barreled shotguns and “machine guns” were the source of the problem. But, rather than ban them, the decided to tax them out of existence. See this link for more info : https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/national-firearms-act-1934

Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA or GCA68)

The law was prompted by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 (with a mail order gun). The a further push for passing this law in 1968 was in response to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F. Kennedy, both in 1968. The bill :

• bans the mail order sales of rifles and shotguns and
• limits interstate shipment of firearms
• mandates the licensing of individuals and companies engaged in the business of selling firearms
• prohibits most felons, drug users and people found mentally incompetent from buying guns.
• limits the sale of any rifle or shotgun or ammunition for rifle or shotgun to any individual less than 18 years of age,
• limits the sale of any handgun or ammunition for a handgun to any individual less than 21 years of age.
• bans the importation of a number of small handguns which the government deemed “not suitable for sporting purposes” i.e “Saturday night specials”.

In the sixties, the number one bad gun was the so-called “Saturday Night Special.” The righteous in our society hated them before the learned the hate Assault Rifles.

For more details on GCA68 see : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Control_Act_of_1968

The Chinese SKS was banned for importation on May 26, 1994 by President Clinton.

in 1994, importation of SKS rifles from China were banned. SKSs could be imported from any one of the other countries that manufactured them, but not from China.

1994 Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act

Commonly called the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or the Clinton Assault Weapons Ban, which was a part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. It was passed into law in September 1994.

Ref: https://abcnews.go.com/US/understanding-1994-assault-weapons-ban-ended/story?id=65546858

The ban was law for a decade before expiring in 2004, but the effectiveness of the ban has been debated ever since.

• banned the “transfer or possession” of large-capacity ammunition devices that carried more than 10 bullets
• banned more than a dozen specific firearms and certain features on guns
• contained a sunset provision of a decade, meaning that it would automatically expire in 2004 unless renewed through another vote

There was a lot of commentary on the effectiveness of the ban, but no conclusive evidence that it reduced violence. It was not renewed