I wrote this column in September of 2007 on what was then our 10th wedding anniversary. Today we mark 20 years. Today both of us are out of the newspaper business (and who would have believed that in 1997?) and I'm always home on time after work. Now I'm the one waiting for her to … Continue reading Still married: Twenty years and counting
Month: September 2017
Reporters and editors share their most memorable misteaks
A few years ago I asked my journalist friends on social media to share embarrassing stories about reporting or editing errors – things like spelling a name wrong or mangling a title – details that sound like little stuff but are really the mistakes that erode reader confidence in journalism. I shared them earlier this … Continue reading Reporters and editors share their most memorable misteaks
Throwback Thursday: Not a football-related incident — really?
This is a column I wrote a couple of years ago for the Burlington Times-News about an incident that occurred in Alamance County back when I was a young sports writer in 1987. This involved something at a local high school and the actions of a coach and something he told me as if to … Continue reading Throwback Thursday: Not a football-related incident — really?
That time I gave a newspaper history lesson to Elon journalism students
A few weeks ago Kenn Gaither, associate dean and professor in Elon University’s School of Communications, asked if I would be willing to speak to his entry level journalism class, Comm 100, about the evolution and future of newspapers and future of print and journalism in general. The assignment landed around lunchtime today. I spoke … Continue reading That time I gave a newspaper history lesson to Elon journalism students
Address to the Class of 1977: Our 40th reunion
A few months ago I was asked to be a featured speaker for the 40th reunion of my high school class -- the South Stokes Class of 1977. I reluctantly agreed. Although I've done some public speaking -- mainly related to my former work in newspapers -- it's not something I'm comfortable doing. I'm happy … Continue reading Address to the Class of 1977: Our 40th reunion
Honoring Elon football coaching legend Red Wilson
I stopped by my old newspaper office for a visit on Thursday. Bob Sutton, the longtime sports editor for the Times-News asked me what I might know about a reunion at Elon this weekend around the season-opening football game with Charleston Southern. "Nothing," I told him. Bob proceeded to fill me in. Apparently a group … Continue reading Honoring Elon football coaching legend Red Wilson
The Durham family business
UPDATE on March 7, 2018: Today the retired and longime voice of UNC basketball and football Woody Durham passed away at age 76. This is something I wrote three years ago when the Mebane native was honored by the Naismith Memorial National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. with a lifetime achievement award for broadcasting. … Continue reading The Durham family business
A nationally known comedian from . . . Danbury?
Monday morning I got a message from my old newspaper friend Matt Memrick. The message was suitably vague. Enough to get my attention. It stated, "Danbury huh? Who knew comedy came out of that town?" The quote came with a link to a story headlined, "This former 'Saturday Night Live' writer is bringing improv comedy … Continue reading A nationally known comedian from . . . Danbury?
Something in the air: Ah yes, the annual Fall Book Sale
Friday I walked up to the small tent set up outside the basement entrance to May Memorial Library in Burlington. "I can shop at the Fall Book Sale today if I join the Friends of the Library, correct?" I asked the two women operating in the makeshift shade on a sunny afternoon. "Aren't you a … Continue reading Something in the air: Ah yes, the annual Fall Book Sale
Elegy for Agate (Has it really been four years?)
Cats are hard to figure. They're indifferent to humans, except when they're not. They're alternately fascinating and maddening. People who like cats really love them. People who dislike cats really hate them. I was in the indifferent (that word again) category on the matter for about 40 years, until one found its way into our … Continue reading Elegy for Agate (Has it really been four years?)
Madison's Avenue 