CRANE: Be a bridge builder

You almost always know a bridge builder when you meet them. They bring people together, share aspirations and inspire others. DeKalb County government’s CEO, Michael Thurmond, is a bridge builder.

CRANE: Long live the king

Our family, particularly on my father’s side is of Scotch/Irish/Welch descent. I have long considered myself a bit of an Anglophile. Probably my two favorite fictional characters for decades have been James Bond and Sherlock Holmes.

Crane: Take the Rivian adventure ride

Except for my long-treasured Blackberry, I have never been an early adapter. Never “that guy” with the newest gadget, toy, or hot car. My one deviance was the first-year model of the Pontiac Fiero … and its engine caught on fire. Electric vehicles (EVs) have held little attraction for me.

CRANE: Primary colors and the new orange

Frank Sinatra reportedly LOVED the color orange. At a certain point in his life he reportedly and almost constantly wore orange sweaters. I love the Chairman of the Board and adore his contributions to the American Songbook. However, this will continue to be something on which we disagree.

CRANE: We could all use a few more smart ALECS

This has been the summer when Americans returned to travel, and took their chances with COVID-19 by meeting them on the road. Vacations, family reunions and conventions are all coming back on calendars… and none too soon for convention and business travel destinations like Atlanta.

CRANE: Crypto’s kryptonite

Here’s the story of the high-flying funny money that flew too close to the sun...and then... There are times in life when a moment crystallizes in your mind, and increasingly, at least for me, when you can anticipate when that latest “hot topic” is about to “jump the shark.

CRANE: The incredible shrinking Trump

It is a phenomenon long overdue. and strangely arguments will be made against my premise both by supporters and opponents of former President Donald J. Trump.

CRANE: Miles of smiles and miracles

My firstborn child was plagued, starting at an early age, by severe cluster headaches, which were often preceded by dark circles underneath her eyes. The pain was debilitating and as a young child, frequently resulted in her curled up in a fetal position and weeping.

CRANE: Why we need the filibuster

The framers intended for our U.S. Constitution to be the upper chamber and more deliberative body. Until the 17th amendment was ratified in 1913, the two senators from each state were appointed, either by their legislature or governor and not popularly elected.

CRANE: Guns and hoses

With our most recent Fourth of July celebration marred by another tragic mass shooting in the suburbs of Chicago, it seems that these assaults on our psyche and our communities are becoming an almost weekly occurrence in America.