I've been everywhere, man

Just like the Man in Black once crooned, my job often takes me to all corners of North Carolina. In my 10 (!) years as a journalist, I have covered varying levels of news and sports in four states around the Southeast.

Learning about the tradition of Lent

The Christian season of Lent is upon us. Lent is the 40 days before Easter – excluding Sundays – that mirrors Jesus’ fasting and praying in the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan to forsake his Heavenly Father’s will. The 40 days compared to the Israelites 40 years in the desert.

Early travel routes in Graham County

* Part 3 in a series There is no record of travel by a white man across the towering mountains of western North Carolina – prior to 1769, when Daniel Boone made his pilgrimage. He was followed by James Robertson and 16 families that who left Wake County, N.C.

Baptism should not equal conflict

I was perplexed how many times I ran across news concerning a priest who had used an incorrect word when officiating baptism services in his parish.  A few folks asked me if I had heard of it.

Worth of a human life

I was the proud grandfather of four beautiful, elementary school-age girls when 10 years ago, a deranged young man – using a Remington Bushmaster AR-15 style weapon – murdered 28 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Twenty of these innocent victims were children just starting their lives.

Resistance continues; treaties broken

* Part 2 in a series In June of 1760, Col. Archibald Montgomery led a force of 1,600 Scotch and English to engage a force of Cherokees. He was defeated and retreated to Fort Prince George. Following that battle in June of 1761, Col.

Presidential candidacy announcement

After much soul searching, discussion with my family and acknowledging my complete inability to raise the necessary funds to be elected, I have decided to run for President of these great United States of America. I want to unite the country, because everyone is fed up with something.

History of romantic celebration

The day is approaching that always brings me angst. I can usually handle birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, but what do I get my wife for St. Valentine’s Day? Who was this Valentine and why do I have to buy his cards?

Graham County history begins

* First in a series I recently came across a history project that I had done probably when I was around 13 or 14 years old and in the eighth grade at Robbinsville School. The report was handwritten using a pencil on notebook paper.

Wearing pajamas in public?

I’m going to get right to the point this week: if you partake in the practice of wearing pajamas in public, you’re canceled. I will go so far as to say that if you wear pajamas in public, you are a real life Peter Pan. The only problem is that we live in America, not Never Land.