2023 Columns

I can’t believe I am writing a back-to-school letter to you in July.  That’s because I can’t believe you are starting a new school year in July.  Somehow, that doesn’t seem right.  Back in the good ol’ days –which look better and better as I get older and older – school always began right after Labor Day. Even today, I dread the thought of Labor Day because it reminds me of … [Read more...] about July 23, 2023: An Open Letter To Georgia’s Public Schoolteachers

It has been 27 years since the Centennial Olympic Games began in Atlanta on a Friday evening, July 19, 1996, with the lighting of the cauldron by Mohammed Ali.  Remember? I was not a part of the intrepid band of volunteers who pulled off one of the greatest upsets ever and in 1990 secured the Olympic Games for Atlanta.  Their leader was a real estate attorney who had never … [Read more...] about July 16, 2023: Looking Back On The Centennial Olympic Games 27 Years Later

Beep!  Beep! “Hey! Who are you and what are you doing in my office?” “Hello, human person.  My name is Artie Fishel.  I own Artie Fishel Intelligence and I am very smart.  I am fluent in more than 7,000 languages, which is 6,999-and-a-half more than you know.  I compose music, write plays and create beautiful poetry, among other things. For the sake of this discussion, I … [Read more...] about July 9, 2023: Could This Columnist Be Replaced By Artie Fishel Intelligence?

Happy Birthday, America!  I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy, even though I wasn’t born on the 4th of July.  As for Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again,” I would remind us all that America was great before he showed up and is great today.  That is because of the great people who inhabit this land.  Working folks. Love their families. Care for their neighbors. Protect us. Teach us. … [Read more...] about July 2, 2023: Some Random Thoughts On Some Random Subjects

Somebody named Abigail who works for something called Scholaroo just sent out a report  entitled “The Happiest States in the U.S." Alas, Georgia – that’s where you and I reside – is not a happy place to live.  We are like 40th out of the 50 states (or 54, if you listen to Joe Biden.)  I have a feeling that Abigail isn’t from around these parts.  Bless her heart. Abigail says … [Read more...] about June 25 2023: Happy to Debunk ‘Happiest States’ Report