If we’re not happy, can we just annex Finland?

Perhaps you are not familiar with the World Happiness Report that ranks countries on how happy their citizens are?

The old hat

In my hands, I held the battered straw hat, holes torn in a couple of places.For a solid block of time, I studied it, having taken it down from the fireplace mantle.I choked up.It probably cost no more than a quarter yet Oscar Cannon, no doubt, wore it for half a century or more.

Week 10 under the Gold Dome

Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session we reached several major milestones.One of the most significant victories was the final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, a major step forward in tort reform, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp.

A friend named Walt

Perhaps I’ll never forget the lilting sound of his beautiful, Southern accent.I hope not.Right now, it’s ringing in my ears, forcing tears to my eyes. Walt Ehmer was one of the best friends I ever had. He possessed a quick wit that couldn’t be outrun.

St. Simons Island

Whenever I have an opportunity to visit Georgia’s Golden Isles, I become overwhelmed with the serenity and natural beauty that encompasses this stretch of the Atlantic Seaboard.

Kris Kristofferson

A friend and I were discussing which version of the movie, A Star Is Born, was our favorite.Remade four times – each one terrific -- it was based on the original, 1932 film, What Price Hollywood? Hands down, we both chose the Kris Kristofferson/ Barbra Streisand version because of Kristofferson.

Watching the political pendulum swing

Like the late baseball great Billy Martin used to say in the beer commercials, “I feel strongly both ways.” But for me, it’s not about the beer. It is about one-issue, my-way-orthe- highway groups on both ends of the political spectrum.

Legislators propose bills to address Okefenokee

Don’t get your hopes up, but a couple of bills have surfaced in the Legislature addressing the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (insert oxymoron here), giving approval for Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals to mine a 584-acre tract of Trail Ridge on the eastern flank of our Okefenokee...

When schools close

At an invitation-only reception before my speaking engagement, Tink and I found ourselves in the midst of lovely people who came one at a time for introductions, then to talk about our work, either individually or separately.

Joining those saying goodbye to DEI

Uh oh, this column as you read it may never be the same again. I’m not talking about finally figuring out where commas go. That will never change. No, I am talking about my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.I am afraid I am going to have to dismantle that sucker.