To say that Ben Harris is interested in creating things would be a massive understatement, like saying the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground or that "Game of Thrones" developed something of a following. He's truly passionate about creating, innovating, tinkering, educating and, well, making. It's his life's work. It led him … Continue reading Making the most of . . . making
Still standing by my tips for a successful marriage after five years
Five years ago our friend and former newspaper colleague Molly McGowan married her college sweetheart Jamie Gorsuch. Both are Elon University grads who met as first-year students. At the time I wrote a column with my own tips for success in marriage -- not that I'm an expert or anything, just very fortunate to have … Continue reading Still standing by my tips for a successful marriage after five years
Tim Conway was always funny, always likable
This is a review I wrote in 2013 about Tim Conway's autobiography in 2013. The comedian passed away today at age 85 after nearly a lifetime of making people laugh. Rest in peace, Mr. Conway and signature characters like Dorf, Mr. Tudball and the world's oldest man. “What’s so Funny? My Hilarious Life,” by Tim … Continue reading Tim Conway was always funny, always likable
Bringing downtown together for coffee and community
Several weeks ago I was part of a discussion about how to raise the profile of downtown Burlington. We talked about spreading word around the Triad region. We talked about getting the message outside the city limits into neighboring cities and towns a well as Alamance County. But we kept coming back to one nagging … Continue reading Bringing downtown together for coffee and community
Riding a student wave of cool stuff on SURF Day at Elon
As I flipped through the local newspaper this morning (yes I still read the print edition page by page) I stopped -- as I usually do, on the daily horoscope. Yeah, I read that, too. I am neither proud nor ashamed of this. Like the obituaries, it simply is. Often these snippets of random fortune … Continue reading Riding a student wave of cool stuff on SURF Day at Elon
The odds on sports betting in North Carolina?
Betting on sports in North Carolina will be legal one of these days. That's a pretty smart wager. But when it might happen is more of a mystery. The smart money is on the over rather than the under. That was just one of multiple takeaways on Tuesday from a three-hour symposium at Elon University, … Continue reading The odds on sports betting in North Carolina?
Building a new downtown for Burlington a block at a time
In March of 2013, which now seems like eons ago but in fact is only a fraction of time when the universe is considered, a consultant was hired to take a look at Burlington's downtown, make a few notes and then come back with a report about how to, you know, make it decent. In … Continue reading Building a new downtown for Burlington a block at a time
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?
Snow in April? Remembering the Frozen Greater Greensboro Open of 1987
A couple of years ago when sorting through old boxes I happened upon a column from April 4, 1987 during sports writing days that I wrote for the Burlington Times-News. Back then, the Greater Greensboro Open was played the week before the Masters. — which would be this particular week. It was a popular tournament … Continue reading Snow in April? Remembering the Frozen Greater Greensboro Open of 1987
Updated: What’s on tap at Burlington Beer Works
UPDATE ON APRIL 4, 2019: Burlington Beer Works will begin offering sampling flights today. Four 5.5-ounce pours for $7. Yay! Time to get some samples! About a week and a half ago, on March 16, Burlington's much-anticipated downtown brewpub took part in a street festival held to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, or rather St. Patrick's … Continue reading Updated: What’s on tap at Burlington Beer Works
Madison's Avenue 