One of our brightest stars

As we wave farewell, or at least say “See ya’ next time,” to this pandemic, and soon 2022, I note that both took from me my mother, as well as several irreplaceable and close friends.

A Gothic Christmas tale

At the turn of the 20th century, and on into the mid-1950s, life in the Appalachians was a tale of black-and-white gothic existence.

Gift an experience: Live art this holiday season

Still shopping for lastminute Christmas gifts? Don’t know what to get Uncle Scott? What about your Nana? Your mom? She deserves everything. What if I told you there was something that would please everyone on your list? That ‘magic’ thing? Tickets to see live performances!

Walker and advisors fumbled campaign

One of the givens in occupying this space weekly is that when I talk about politics, which I do on occasion, anything I opine will be construed negatively by one side or the other.

A monumental milestone

Nearly 90 years after General James Edward Ogelthorpe founded Savannah and established Georgia as the last of the 13 original colonies, the Georgia General Assembly would act on December 9, 1822 to create and charter the county of DeKalb, out of parts of Fayette, Gwinnett, and Henry Counties.

Exception for exceptional author, story

As a matter of policy, I don’t do book reviews in this space. If you do one, you’re pretty much committed to do them all. In fairness, where do you draw the line? However, today I am going to make an exception because the author is as exceptional as the story she tells.

Georgia is again the finish line

As of this writing, Runoff Election Day is just ahead and Georgians have already set an advance-voting record of1,868,127ballots cast ahead of Election Day, with a turnout total of 26%, more or less debunking ongoing claims of voter suppression.

The prayer march

The old man shuffled along the sidewalk, his work boots dusty with a hint of red mud clinging to one heel. From the pocket of well-worn overalls, he pulled a red bandana and wiped his nose.

Can our democracy outlast us?

This is kind of a bummer way to start your day, but it is worth reflection: “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” Who said that? Karl Marx? Ayatollah Khomeini? Vladimir Putin?

The giving $ea$on is upon us

As we finally emerge from this pandemic and folks are traveling and having holiday events again, a gaping recession apparently looms ahead. But for now, at least judging by the crowds on Black Friday, consumers are exercising some pent-up demand.