Tim Sutton says he's finished with running for political office. He’s said it before, now he’s saying it again. I once observed -- well more than once -- that I would believe it when I see it. But after talking to him for more than 30 minutes on Tuesday I believe it. He’s done – … Continue reading Is this really the last politcal roundup for Tim Sutton?
Reporting and journalism
How old is too old?
The other day I was discussing the film, "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" with a friend. When I referenced the scene where the fictional character Cliff Booth -- played by Brad Pitt -- gets into a skirmish with an actor portraying legendary martial artist, actor and philosopher Bruce Lee, my friend responded that … Continue reading How old is too old?
Helping cancer patients and remembering friends like Don Bolden and Mike Wilder
Last year at this time I was in the middle of the tough two-month process of saying goodbye to Don Bolden, who would pass away quietly on Aug. 2, 2018 after a battle with cancer that lasted a little less than nine months. Don, the editor emeritus of the Burlington Times-News and the man who … Continue reading Helping cancer patients and remembering friends like Don Bolden and Mike Wilder
Apollo 11: ‘The story of a big adventure’
Click here to see a collection newspaper front pages covering the Apollo 11 mission provided by Poynter. Houston, Monday July 21 -- Men have landed and walked on the moon. That was the lede graph in the story published by the New York Times on July 21, 1969. It was a simple statement, clean and … Continue reading Apollo 11: ‘The story of a big adventure’
Updated: Concerned about the death of local news
UPDATE NOV. 14, 2019: The vote by shareholders concerning the future of a planned $1.2 billion merger of two large newspaper corporations is underway today, according to this story in the Burlington Times-News, one of newspapers impacted by this deal. I expect it to be approved, which will combine GateHouse Media (New Media) and Gannett … Continue reading Updated: Concerned about the death of local news
Speaking of journalism: What I told a civic club in 2014
This is the basic text of a speech I gave to the Burlington Kiwanis Club five years ago -- May 29, 2014 -- back when I was editor of the Burlington Times-News. I was coming to the end of my journalism career then and I knew it. But I had seen a lot in terms … Continue reading Speaking of journalism: What I told a civic club in 2014
Eulogy for a friend: Did Mike Wilder really say that out loud?
People develop interesting bonds in compact work spaces where creative minds are churning in a highly combustible atmosphere. Co-workers alternately love, loathe and tolerate each other -- the occasional shouting aside. They laugh easily, sometimes with gallows humor while minor jealousies simmer within a cauldron of bad or slightly nervous annoying habits. When things go … Continue reading Eulogy for a friend: Did Mike Wilder really say that out loud?
Picking Cotton: A story that endures
I saw the news yesterday when my wife sent over a link via email to the website Deadline Hollywood. The headline was very specific, unlike those wedged into small newspaper spaces: "Sidney Kimmel to finance & produce Jessica-Sanders-directed 'Picking Cotton.'" The names of the people involved didn't immediately mean much to me. But the title, … Continue reading Picking Cotton: A story that endures
UPDATE: Congressman Walter Jones: Humility in a town of arrogance
UPDATE: I first posted this on Jan. 28 after learning that U.S. Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina was placed in Hospice care. Today he passed away, his family announced. Rest in peace Walter. My condolences to the family and friends of Rep. Jones. Peace to you all. ------------------------- I saw over the weekend that … Continue reading UPDATE: Congressman Walter Jones: Humility in a town of arrogance
The worst crime in Stokes County history remains a source of fascination
Author's note: First shared in January 2019. The first thing you notice is how small the headline is. The publication date was New Year's Day 1930 in the primary weekly newspaper covering Stokes County in that particular time. It's from the now former Danbury Reporter, founded by the Pepper family in Danbury. Today it's known … Continue reading The worst crime in Stokes County history remains a source of fascination
Madison's Avenue 