Rich: Southern rules of dinner

It is a line that Tink and I quote often, always with a shake of the head. We will carry it to our graves.A dear friend of ours — a successful entertainer from a storied family — had a cruel mother who left her children to figure out food, school, and life for themselves.

Letter to the Editor: Too much negativity

Dear Editor,The following was on my mind over a week ago, but as with most people, life takes precedence. Today, I received an election card from Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, prompting me to respond. A little over a week ago, I also received election cards from both candidates, Rick Jackson and Burt Jones.

Letter to the Editor: Putnam sheriff clarifies election claims

Dear Editor,I have been involved in politics and elections for most of my life. This election year has brought forth many new tactics and communication methods that have not typically been used in local campaigns.

Stone: Current events and other BS

Lately, I have caught myself calling upon the “Lord” quite a bit.As in “Oh, Lord,” or “Lord help us,” or “Lord have mercy.”I’m sure I picked up these phrases from my mother, because my father was a bit more colorful when he called upon the Lord.

Yarbrough: Some random thoughts on some random subjects

I would like to say I hate it when I’m right, but Jiminy Crickets, I am right so much that if I spent all that time hating myself, I wouldn’t have time to hate broccoli. And I really hate broccoli.

Rich: A mother’s story

It is a line that Tink and I quote often, always with a shake of the head. We will carry it to our graves.A dear friend of ours — a successful entertainer from a storied family — had a cruel mother who left her children to figure out food, school, and life for themselves.

Yarbrough: Political silly season upon us

Welcome to Silly Season, when our intrepid public servants—and those who aspire to be—dominate our TVs with ads, clutter street corners with yard signs, press the flesh while we’re trying to enjoy breakfast at our favorite diner, flood our mailboxes with flyers, and go online to ask us for money.

Stone: I want my own Wikipedia page

“T for Texas, T for Tennessee, T for Thelma, that gal that made a wreck out of me.” — “Blue Yodel No. 1,” Jimmie RodgersI found a pack of cigarettes the other day and briefly considered lighting one up to see if it would help me write.

Rich: It isn’t funny

It weighs on my heart, and it can be sobering.Are we losing our sense of humor? Over the past few years, something has shifted.Many of our comedian friends have stopped touring. One has even become a preacher.

Letter to the Editor: Putting the pastor to the test

Dear Editor,While I have the utmost respect for Pastor Paul Gardner, I feel compelled to address recent claims that simply don’t line up with the facts. I’m questioning the validity of these statements based on my own face-to-face conversations with Mr.