Smith: Mountain living

Encores that bring about good times in good places make one appreciate life to the fullest and renew faith in mankind that we can find a way to coexist peacefully.When I am where nature and its splendorous attributes prevail, I am overcome with humility and thanksgiving. Glory, glory hallelujah!

Stone: Vampires, werewolves and zombies

No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace.-- H.P. LovecraftThe werewolves and the vampires were locked in a fight.Both wanted all the power to keep out all the light.

Yarbrough: The possibilities of becoming a duke

I am looking for a new job. No, I’m not planning on giving this one up. I’m having too much fun messing with the humor-impaired, but I feel like I am ready for a new challenge, like maybe becoming a duke.My sources tell me the position of Duke of York has recently opened up.

Letter to the Editor: Serving the public?

Dear Editor,At the time of this writing, the U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, is in its fourth week, with Republican and Democrat politicians no closer to an agreement that would resolve the ongoing budget dispute.

Crane: Why we still need newspapers

Growing up in a newspaper family and running a newspaper route with a neighborhood buddy for the AJC as one of my first jobs, I will admit I have a sentimental as well as logical attachment to the need for local newspapers and their importance in communities large and small.

Letter to the Editor: What’s next for golden wrecking ball?

Dear Editor,I find it astonishing that those who once fought passionately to preserve Confederate statues in the name of “history” now remain silent as an actual piece of our nation’s living history, the East Wing of the White House, is being demolished before our eyes.

Letter to the Editor: No Kings?

Dear Editor,In response to a published letter in the Friday, Oct. 24, issue, I would like to point out that the derisive opening comment about “MAGA Cult members ... feel it necessary to spread misinformation” is not likely going to make the point.

Ridings: Local newspapers keep communities strong

Strong communities don’t just happen. They rely on connection — residents knowing what’s going on, businesses reaching the customers who keep them open, and citizens having the facts to make good decisions.Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can.

Stone: The fortress of forever

And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.Edgar Allan PoeI didn’t think about death much then, because I lived in a nearly impregnable fortress.

Rich: School days

Sometimes when my husband, John Tinker, finishes writing a television script, he will skip down the stairs to find me.It’s funny, but I can tell his mood or what kind of news he is going to deliver by the gait he uses as he tumbles down the stairs.