Precious Memories That Really Are

In the tiny country church where I spent most of the first 22 years of my life, where I found the Lord at the age of 11, where, without fail, I had the leading part in every Christmas pageant and where my daddy laid down the law in more ways than one, we sang hymns from a brown songbook and a green one that were filled with the haunting melodies that have penetrated the Appalachians for many decades.

“In the Heart of the Pines: Camden During the Hotel Era, 1882-1941” opens on July 7, 2014

It all really began with the Haile Gold Mine. The Eldredge family of New York – the Hobkirk Inn Eldredges – purchased the mine in 1880. The family owned gold mines in California, Virginia, and Mexico. Son, Frank W. Eldredge, was installed here as manager of the Haile mine. Frank's son, Inman, wrote that the living quarters at the mine "were a bit crude," so when his mother was expecting in 1882 his father bought Pine Flat from Mrs. William Shannon.

The strange business called politics

It was good to see a decent number of voters turn out for last week's primary election. Percentage-wise, it still could have been much better, but primaries are not known for having long lines to the voting booth, especially in an "off year" such as this one.

Don Zimmer

Baseball is no longer the national pastime. Football long ago surpassed it in popularity here in the United States.

With phones we’re never alone

I've said it before, but cell phones today make it so we are never alone. I was texting with a friend of mine last weekend and she asked what I was doing. I told her I was going to the pool to swim and sunbathe. She asked if anyone was going with me and I said no. We got into a dialogue about how I often do things alone and how that doesn't seem to bother me as it does others.

Cantor’s swan song

WASHINGTON -- About that stunning defeat.

One last countdown for Casey Kasem

(Editor Martin L. Cahn is on vacation, recuperating from surgery. This column first ran on June 13, 2009, and is republished here at his request in light of recent news that Kasem's daughters were planning to remove him from life support during the last few days.)

Keep thy word

Not long ago, a friend of mine was huffing, puffing and carrying on something awful about an injustice she had recently suffered. She had dealt with someone rather devious and the result was, well, rather devious.

Summer school work

I was talking with a community member recently who asked me what we do all summer since school is out. Although summer is obviously a time that schools are closed and teachers and assistants are off, the level of activity across the school district is actually pretty intense. Preparing to open school in a district with over 10,000 students and twenty buildings with a comprehensive instructional and extracurricular program is a huge undertaking that actually begins long before the previous school year has ended.

The importance of voting

Over the last fifteen years, each of my five children, at one time or another has pleaded his or her case before (mom) court as to why he or she should accompany me to the voting booth that particular day. And why not? To the four year-old, it was an outing to unknown territory, always a diverting option in the midst of a cold, mundane November day. To the often-awkward middle-schoolers or the "tweeners", it was a chance for them to be seen - and heard, as they proceeded to inform me they know exactly whom I need to vote for ...

Beyond book learning

One of the many pleasures in life is watching the skills and talents of other people, sometimes seeing things you'd never expect.

Armed, dangerous and dead

WASHINGTON -- So much for the argument that having more people armed in public places will result in fewer gun deaths.

He had a heart of gold

Happy Father's Day! A few weeks ago I wrote the story of my mother here, just in time for Mother's Day. Now, let me share a few words about my father.

Things not to leave in your car during the summer

I don't particularly want to write about makeup today, or any day really, but seeing as how I've burned through four sticks of eyeliner in a month, I thought it might be appropriate. I should start with the basic, obvious fact: it's summer and it's hot out most days and if you leave your bag of makeup in your car during the day, it's going to melt.

A farewell to friends

WASHINGTON -- You know how it goes. You lose track of friends and then one day, someone gets in touch to say the friend has left us to our mortal pursuits.

Many questions, few answers

The late, great George Carlin was a man of many inspired observations on our society. One of many things he noted, and rightfully skewered, is ...

Eyes wide open on debate night

The Trump letters

WASHINGTON -- As the first presidential debate approaches, fists clench, jaws tighten and invectives giggle in anticipation.

I miss making videos

When I first entered college, my goal was to be the journalist everyone loves. I am interested in journalism because one of my pet peeves ...

Trump’s truth sets us free

WASHINGTON -- At long last, Donald Trump has set himself free.

Fun with the family photo album

It's almost time for our annual family reunion, that one day of the year when you can go and actually see for yourself what ...