Crane: I will miss the ‘Mouth of the South’

When I first met Ted Turner, he was already a larger-than-life figure and a rascal around Atlanta, though still just beginning to introduce himself to the national stage. CNN was barely a toddler, and its Atlanta Braves were in their formative years as “America’s Team.”

Rich: World War II heroes

Tink and I were at lunch recently with a friend who began talking about his grandfather’s bravery and the medals he earned during World War II.When the war began, his grandfather was initially deferred because he was in college. A few months later, he was drafted.

Tocher: Voting integrity matters beyond elections

With primary election results arriving this week — unfortunately, after press time for The Eatonton Messenger — voters in Putnam County and across Georgia will once more be relying on the integrity and accuracy of the election process.Most of that trust is naturally tied to politics.

Stone: Uh-oh, Spaghetti-o’s

“If at the end of each person’s life, he were to be presented with the living spectacle of all that he had [eaten] in order to stay alive, he might well feel horrified by the living energy he had ingested.

Rich: The thief

The email from my literary agent popped up.

Yarbrough: Keep talkin’ Southern, y’all

I’m a little late getting around to this, but there is a survey out by a group called Writing Tips Institute, a website that teaches people how to write correctly.According to the survey, 51% of Georgians would like our dialect protected by law.

Stone: Pick me! Pick me!

“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a clear path.

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.