As we begin this new year, I wish your great-grandmother were around to put things into proper perspective for us. She always found something good in everything and everybody -- although I imagine network television news and Osama bin Laden would be a stretch even for her. If Granny were here, no doubt she would say that despite the unprovoked attacks of Sept. 11, we … [Read more...] about January 1, 2002: Annual Letter To My Grandsons:
Columns
Dec. 24, 2001: I Don’t Know About You, But I Am Plumb Tuckered Out
The year 2001 grabbed my psyche and shook it like a dishrag. I thought my days with the Olympics produced some extraordinary highs and lows, but this year made those times look like a walk in the park. I can think of no better way to recuperate than to make a beeline to the exquisite little Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island and gorge myself on corn-fried shrimp. The … [Read more...] about Dec. 24, 2001: I Don’t Know About You, But I Am Plumb Tuckered Out
Dec. 17, 2001: Over the past month, I have made a number of speeches around the state.
The endeavor was time-intensive but well worth the effort. Nothing beats face-to-face communications. I am not a demographer so my research may be statistically flawed, but I am satisfied that the people I have spoken to over the past few weeks represent a good cross section of rank-and-file Americans. My audiences were young and old, black and white, male and female. … [Read more...] about Dec. 17, 2001: Over the past month, I have made a number of speeches around the state.
Dec. 10, 2001: This is not the column I intended to write.
As I was scribbling away on another piece that would amuse my friends and confound my detractors, I learned of a family that had just lost a daughter in an automobile accident. I don’t know the family, but a friend does. The young woman was an honors graduate of the University of Georgia’s music department and was on her way to perform in a Christmas program of some sort when … [Read more...] about Dec. 10, 2001: This is not the column I intended to write.
Dec. 3, 2001: In the short time I have been in the column-writing business, I have learned that strong opinions evoke strong reactions.
When you agree, you let me know quickly and when you don’t, I find that out in a hurry, too. For example, one reader reacted to my comments last week by suggesting I give up this space permanently and “go fishing.” A great idea – the fishing part, I mean. My sources tell me the journalism professors at the University of Georgia are still harrumphing after I suggested they … [Read more...] about Dec. 3, 2001: In the short time I have been in the column-writing business, I have learned that strong opinions evoke strong reactions.