When I see the ads about stores being open until midnight and beyond during the Christmas shopping season, I want to cry. Where were these people when I needed them?

Some of you will be reading these words before, some during and several after Thanksgiving Day (like the old British Empire, the sun never sets on this column.) So, we need to set some ground rules: Let’s remember to express our thanks on days other than when our mouths are stuffed with turk…

Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, it isn’t food that dominates my thoughts. It’s cleaning the house.

Thanksgiving Day will soon be here. 

I don’t like confrontation. Who does? Well, I suppose there are some individuals who thrive on the excitement a good verbal spar brings, but I think most shy away from it when possible.

Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled part 2 of his health reform plan recently. Consider it just that: a piece that complements the first part.

You might be interested to know that there have been only 12 lieutenant governors in Georgia’s history, going back to 1947 when the position was created. Four went on to become governor. One became lieutenant governor after having served as governor. Four others tried for the state’s highest…

As often I say, it is enlightening to see the South from a non-Southerner’s perspective. Mainly, it reminds me that what is normal for us is sometimes out-of-the-ordinary for others.

A couple of years ago, Tink and I had the opportunity – which turned out to be an honor and a privilege – to work with Dolly Parton on a television project.

Georgia doesn’t often get to claim a leading role in matters related to health care. At least, not in a good way. That is changing, in a very big way.

Jeremy and I live life wide open, running full steam ahead every minute to keep up with all that’s happening. It’s a wonderful ride even if a bit hectic at times, and I wouldn’t trade anything for it. 

I tend not to worry.

I enjoyed Saturday afternoon’s Georgia-Florida game immensely. Autumn finally arrived after a late last hurrah of summer that saw us reach 90 degrees in October. 

To rise, or not to rise: that is the question.

I bow to no one in my love for and loyalty to the University of Georgia.  I bleed red and black.  I have served as president of the National Alumni Association, have been named the university’s outstanding graduate and today endow a professorship as well as fellowships at my beloved Grady Co…

Before Jeremy and I married, we read two recommended books on achieving a strong, successful marriage. Five years later one concept still stands out for both of us  — Always believe the other person has your best intentions in mind.

One need only check the news, or a Democratic presidential debate, to know student-loan debt is being billed as a national crisis.

Nothing feels better than checking items off your to do list. But, nothing feels worse than watching the list grow longer with every item you cross out. I’ve been reminded of this lately as Jeremy and I head into a busy Fall season. 

What you don’t know might kill you

We all have those people who we make an instant connection with when we meet. You just click, many times making lasting friendships. Those connections can come suddenly or can be made over time. 

Student debt remains one of the most potent issues in America today. Most of the political focus – unsurprisingly, as we enter a presidential election year – is on forgiving debt and/or making public college tuition free.

Who is this person and what is he doing in The Blackshear Times?

Contrary to what I said the other night at the pool hall, I’m not an expert on everything.

You can’t put a price tag on handyman skills, or so I’ve learned since becoming a homeowner. 

This past Saturday afternoon Carrie and I had the pleasure of attending the annual Dancing with the Southern Stars event at Waycross Middle School. The annual event is a fundraiser to support The Magnolia House Shelter for the Abused and Hospice Satilla. 

 have a recurring dream.

Over the past month, I have had a few opportunities to reflect. One of the things foremost in my mind has been legacy. One of the ways Webster’s Dictionary defines legacy is, “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.”

These past few weeks I have had the privilege to meet several people around Pierce County and I look forward to meeting many more over the coming days. 

The first time Obamacare supporters had their day in court, the law largely survived. Could another lawsuit to overturn the law prove more successful? And would that be a good thing, at this point?

Legendary Coach John Wooden once said, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” 

“It’s the end of an era,” I thought as I peeked in Robert’s bare office last Monday.

It’s an honor to become your newest newspaper editor

Almost two years have passed since Republican efforts to reform the U.S. health insurance market were pronounced dead. Perhaps they were merely on life support.

It’s been 12 years since I graduated from high school, and nearly as many since I’ve attended a Pierce County graduation  — until this year. Working at The Times gave me reason to be on the field, capturing memories that will last a lifetime for the now-graduated class of 2019.

Like many, my day isn’t complete without quiet time to read