Miles of smiles and miracles

My firstborn child was plagued, starting at an early age, by severe cluster headaches, which were often preceded by dark circles underneath her eyes. The pain was debilitating and as a young child, frequently resulted in her curled up in a fetal position and weeping.

Imitation IS imitation

A decade ago, I launched a new book with a tour that, with three exceptions, took me to large Southern cities and three small Mississippi towns. The exhaustive, two-week tour included Los Angeles, New York City, and the marvelous independent Rainy Day Books in Kansas City.

Why we need the filibuster

The framers intended for our U.S. Constitution to be the upper chamber and more deliberative body. Until the 17th amendment was ratified in 1913, the two senators from each state were appointed, either by their legislature or governor and not popularly elected.

Sharing some Olympic-sized memories of Centennial Games

It is hard to believe it has been 26 years this week since the Centennial Olympic Games were in Atlanta. They began on July 19, 1996, and wound up Aug. 4. To refer to them as Atlanta’s Games is not entirely accurate.

Junior E. Lee talks politics and cow ticks

Well, this is interesting. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have something in common besides being a couple of old white guys.

Guns and hoses

With our most recent Fourth of July celebration marred by another tragic mass shooting in the suburbs of Chicago, it seems that these assaults on our psyche and our communities are becoming an almost weekly occurrence in America.

A real Top Gun talks about the Top Gun movie and more

I may be one of the few people on the planet that have not seen “Top Gun Maverick.” As of this writing, the film, starring Tom Cruise and a sequel to the 1986 hit, “Top Gun,” has grossed over $1 billion at the box office and shows no signs of landing anytime soon.

The death spiral of customer service

I am a good and loyal customer. If I receive a good product or service, at a fair price, from a retailer, vendor, or contractor, I keep coming back for more.

A drinkin’ life

Once, many years ago when I was young with a face kissed by dewiness and innocence, I knew a kind-hearted, gentle giant of a man who was loved by all. His soft blue eyes twinkled with joy and even when his hair and beard had turned silver, he was handsome.

Donald Trump and the ghost of elections past

Zzzzzzzzzzz! Snort! Snort! Smack! Zzzzzzzzzzz! “Donald. Donald. Please wake up, Donald! I need to talk to you!” “Snort! Umpff! What? Hey, who are you and how did you get into Mar-a-Largo? As a matter of fact, how did you get in my bedroom, you pervert? I’m calling Secret Service.