Did a book change your mind?

The bookshelves in my study at home are full, so any additional book that I buy or borrow – I don’t believe I’ve ever stolen one – goes on the floor. That’s where I rediscovered a book called Books of Passage: 27 North Carolina Writers on the Books That Changed Their Lives.

Paying college athletes: good or bad?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is made up of 1,117 schools, which are divided into 40 conferences.  The NCAA rules govern 90 championships in 24 sports.

You had to be there

Friday night’s 17-14 triumph over Smoky Mountain Conference rival Murphy is something Robbinsville faithful will reminisce about for generations to come.

An opinion on opinions

The rule of thumb is that you do not talk with people you like about politics, religion or money. But, alas, this is the opinions page, so we flex our creative muscles and discuss topics people enjoy debating – hopefully in a polite, respectful manner.

More than just "winter blues"

An old enemy came for me on a dreary day two weeks ago.  Hauling hay to my horses, I dropped a square bale in the mud and all of a sudden, was on the verge of tears.  Just to put this in perspective: on a normal day, a round bale could crush me flat without squeezing a single tear from my eyes.

Celebrating a century of life

Neowne Hooper Adams reached the age of 100 on Oct. 25.   Her parents were Jack and Belle Lovin Hooper. She has outlived all her siblings; Oneida Smith, Neowe, and Reo Hooper.

Witchcraft and the power of deception

“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived” (Revelation 18:23).

Pros and cons of free college

One of the more popular ideas emerging from some of the more left-leaning candidates is the notion of a free college education.  To be clear, it appears that public four-year and community colleges are included in the proposal. Faith-based and private schools would not be included.