When C.C. Sabathia took the mound for the Burlington Indians in 1998, he was a long and lanky 17-year-old from California. Three years later -- after minor league stops in Kinston, Columbus and Akron, the 6-foot, 6-inch tall lefthander was on a Major League roster, posting a 17-5 record for the Cleveland Indians, the team … Continue reading Sabathia should join Thome as former Burlington Indians in Cooperstown
Uncategorized
Vintage move: A store shifts sites from the mall to downtown
If you talk to longtime Burlington residents, the beginning of decline of its once thriving downtown began in the 1960s as the migration from urban centers to the suburbs hit its peak and shopping Meccas were constructed to meet this new demand for proximity and convenience. Sears, Belk (then Belk-Beck) and Woolworth were the most … Continue reading Vintage move: A store shifts sites from the mall to downtown
Elon provided foundation for Brebbia’s rise to the Major Leagues
I asked John Brebbia the same question I ask everyone I interview who is associated with the university where I now work as a staff writer: "How did you get to Elon?" Some of the answers are surprising, others not so much. Elon does rate highly in a number of those college rankings released annually, … Continue reading Elon provided foundation for Brebbia’s rise to the Major Leagues
Elon University meets Downtown B-Town
For the past few years Elon University has stepped up its efforts to be a bigger presence in Alamance County and specifically its nearby neighbor -- Burlington. I first noticed it six or so years ago when Dr. Connie Book was then an associate provost at Elon. She reached out to the newspaper where I … Continue reading Elon University meets Downtown B-Town
Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)
As artist Mauricio Ramirez wraps up his mural in downtown Burlington today -- and let's just say it's a dynamic and stunning achievement visible behind Bella's House on display for Webb Avenue traffic -- I thought it might be a good idea to look at how a mural can help define a downtown area as … Continue reading Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)
Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington
People driving on Webb Avenue past downtown Burlington next week will likely notice something different. Along the back of Bella's House, a consignment furniture store that faces Front Street, an artist will begin crafting a new piece of public art that will the beginning of a three-mural project for downtown. Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez was … Continue reading Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington
The bumpy road for Elon’s John Brebbia to the major leagues
John Brebbia became the first Elon University baseball player to make the major leagues since 2008 the hard way. He rode a lot of buses, ate a lot of fast food on the go, saw some parts of the country many never do; and endured being released -- basically told his career was over -- … Continue reading The bumpy road for Elon’s John Brebbia to the major leagues
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?
Quentin Tarantino’s Hollywood reality
No one would ever classify Quentin Tarantino as a documentary filmmaker. His sometimes glorious mashups of genres, styles and cultures capped with legendary violence have made him the leading American auteur director. His vision, writing and craft are uniquely his own. Audiences have a strong idea of what they'll see on the screen at a … Continue reading Quentin Tarantino’s Hollywood reality
Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ a stunning follow to ‘The Underground Railroad’
The Nickel Boys; By Colson Whitehead; Penguin Random House LLC, 2019; 210 pages. Colson Whitehead doesn't waste words. Among novelists today, he's the ultimate economist in that department. Every short sentence serves a purpose. His stories unfold like a well-worn document that contains untold secrets tucked away in the corner of an old nightstand. He's also on … Continue reading Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ a stunning follow to ‘The Underground Railroad’
Madison's Avenue 