A LONG LOOK AT LIFE, Vol. 2: The Collected Columns

AUTHOR'S FORWARD:

The history of Journalism is bountiful with newspaper columnists who have made their mark on the American literary landscape. Recent notables include William Safire, Mike Royko, Lewis Grizzard, Dave Barry, et. al.
The list could be a long one.
My biggest influence? Probably Grizzard. Everyone in our family was a big fan and not only read his columns, but collected and exchanged his books. I met Grizzard once. He drank the PBR.
I first wrote for newspapers in high school as sports editor of the school publication. I recall once the editor having to apologize because I was "prolific." In college, I penned a few columns for the Auburn University Plainsman, the campus newspaper. While in the service, the Army News Service picked up some of my columns for worldwide distribution.
When I joined the Atlanta (Texas) Citizens-Journal in 1989, I finally had an outlet for regular column writing. A column I wrote in 1990 won an East Texas Press Association Award.
When I left the Citizens-Journal in 1991 and began my own publications, columns became a staple of the Pine Country Bulletin newspaper and Pine Country Magazine.
Column writing is unique.
Columns can editorialize, offer opinion, rant and rave, criticize or praise. And, I am of the opinion, there are universal themes in many of them whether written in Atlanta, Texas or Atlanta, Georgia -- or New York or Los
Angeles for that matter. Human relations, run-ins with City Hall, life's ups and downs are the same in all corners of this country -- of this globe.
Columns are communication -- me talking to you. We laugh together. We cry together. We are shocked and appalled together.
If my words provide an incentive for you to give thought to a topic you haven't considered, tug on your heart strings, or tickle your funny bone, then my efforts have not been in vain.
So let's begin our conversation. It seems I've had a lot to say.
I've provided samples that have been previously published on the web, and a table of contents to give you an idea of the rest of the book. You can also order below. Comments? Drop me an e-mail. Thanks.

Table of Contents

AGE
Getting Older Is Not A Pretty Sight
Nursing Homes House A Lot Of Love
BASEBALL
"The Mick" Was Special To Baseball Lovers
Baseball Tribute Fitting For Father's Day
Town Needed State Championship Boost
Rangers Have At Least One Angel Pulling For Them
Youth's Spirit, Accidental Death Link Baseball, Life
THE BUTTS MURDERS
Millennium Means No Change In Unsolved Murders
Murders Shock Our Small Town
Let System Decide On The Evidence
Who Killed The Butts Family?
One Year Later, Questions Abound
Will We Ever Know?
Still No Answers
Five Years Later, The Trail Is Cold
Remembering Slain Trio Never Gets Easier
DNA Not That Of Main Suspect
Have We Forgotten Them?
CAREER CHANGES
Move To Cass County Suits Me Fine
Pursuing Your Dream
FAMILY
Holiday Filled With Football, Fishing, Food
Remember Mom This Mother's Day
Plant Represents Memories Of Dad
Cancer Touches All Our Lives
Even In Death, Sister Thinking Of Others
FOOD
Broccoli Brouhaha
Oat Bran? Ugh! Give Me Apple Butter Any Day
Iguana Pizza With A Side Ilex, Anyone?
FRIENDS
Actor Friend Making The Big Move
Los Angeles Wedding A Linguistic Experience
The Music Silenced Too Soon
"Scoop" Was An Unforgettable Character
Remembering James
HOLIDAYS
Holidays Are For Family
Christmas Spirit Needed Year 'Round
LIFE
Sometimes Words Are Hard To Come By
Appreciating Life's Little Blessings
"Buddy" Biggs Tragedy Forces Us To Face Reality
Fall Signals New Beginnings
Beanie Babies Are A Communist Plot
I Must Come Out Of The Closet
If You Can Read This -- Thank A Teacher
Women Drivers Sometimes Earn Reputation
Call It Fate, Call It Timing, Call It Luck
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (excerpts)
THE MEDIA (excerpts)
THE NATIONAL SCENE
Americans, Try Loving America
Line Drawn In The Sand
World Change Could Mean World Peace
Alma Mater Makes Me Proud
Say It Ain't So O.J.
THE PINE COUNTRY BULLETIN (excerpts)
PRAYER
Prayer May Provide Answers
Prayer A Common Thread
RACE RELATIONS
Please Keep Prejudice To Yourself
Time To Talk Is Now
Children Offer Glimmer Of Hope
SAFETY
"Think Child Safety" Better Than I Did
Fireworks Foolishness Can Get You In Deep
SPORTS
Sports Remain A Constant In Life
Lessons Of Carter High Case There For The Taking
Hunting With A Gun Not Up My Tree
Rivalries: Great In Perspective
Keep Alcohol And Attitude At Home
Take Five Boniols And Call Me In The Morning
Talking About Steroids Could Save Lives
Crossing Paths With Heisman Heroes
 

READERS' COMMENTS

 

"You say things that others are afraid to say. I like the way you can laugh
at yourself when you make a mistake."
S.C., Atlanta
 
"Your topics, some of which were life experiences, have brought tears to
our eyes while others gave us a big laugh (just made us feel good).
You...touched our lives with honesty and the human spirit. You kept us
informed with guts on some tough, controversial issues, which made us think."
B.W., Linden
 
·"You tell the truth. You let us make our own opinions."
L.T., Atlanta
 
·"...As for the editorials, no one in this area can hold a candle to you. "
V.R., Queen City
 
·"I remember the stories you wrote about the Butts murders and also two
other murders that occurred in this area. It seemed like no one else cared.
You really lifted my spirits because you were concerned that another human
being lost their life."
S.H., Atlanta
 
·"You are the balanced, credible source of information/news for our
community. You don't pull punches on anything, which is especially good when
some of us need a wake-up call. You are our 'Every Man' and we are better for
it. Wish I told you thanks more. You've provided many belly laughs with your
views and Long (sideways) Looks."
L.S., Atlanta

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