As I write this (Jan. 19), it is the 215th anniversary of the birth of Robert E. Lee. The 198th anniversary of the birth of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson follows this Friday, Jan. 21. Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Francis the Worst tries to destroy the Traditional Latin Mass. One advantage of having the Mass in Latin is that, being a dead language, its meaning is unambiguously clear and cannot be changed. Monday, January 3, 2022
HAPPY NEW YEAR... What is a resolution... Dictionary says a resolution is... Is a decision to do something... Or to stop doing something... Sunday, January 2, 2022
Many thanks to the Lincoln County public works employees who worked so hard and even dug with their hands around the pipes and tree in the large and very muddy hole on a very chilly night so residents could have water for Christmas. Thursday, December 30, 2021
You know Leonhardt’s column, “Simply Southern,” which has run for some years here in our pages. Well, now, get set for another chapter from this lovely Lincolnton lady: “Teatime with Lace,” soon to début, only here in The Herald. Wednesday, December 22, 2021
By now most have put up a tree... Many have installed lights on their houses... Big blowups are in front yards... Office parties are planned... Gifts are hidden... Bikes are in neighbors garages... Sunday, December 19, 2021
You Tube algorithms know me well. A few weeks ago, they suggested a metal detector video. Within hours, I’d dipped my toes into the world of treasure hunting with some young men scoping a Victorian yard in Kansas, a Southerner searching a Civil War site and a hiker from New Hampshire braving swamps and underbrush to locate a 1600s cellar hole. Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Shooting stars, by definition, burn but for a fleeting moment. But however briefly, brilliantly bright and blazing they do burn indeed. So it was with the Monkees’ musical career––“one brief, shining moment,” as Arthur sings in Camelot; a thing that could be measured in mere months, basically from 1966 to ’68. Monday, December 13, 2021
December is here... Everyone hopes it will be their best... Hopes everyone they love will be Merry... But this is just a thought... Sunday, December 5, 2021
47% of the population of Lincoln, Gaston & Cleveland counties is now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That doesn't reflect those who have received a so-called 'booster shot.' Despite the statistical evidence that shows the COVID vaccines are helpful in reducing the severity of the virus and the likelihood of death from it, some are still raising questions about its safety and effectiveness. Friday, December 3, 2021
“Baby, Hollywood is dead.” That’s how singer Michael Bublé put it 11 years ago. And the lyric is just as true to-day. As I recently wrote, my wife, Julie, and I are enjoying some classic television from that medium’s entirely better past. Wednesday, December 1, 2021
If you’re in a quandary about what to buy folks on your gift list, look no further than Dewey’s Holiday Shop at The Corner Table. Yes, The Corner Table soup kitchen in Newton is hosting a retail branch of Dewey’s Bakery of Winston-Salem. (1 comments) Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Well Thanksgiving is over for 2021... The kitchen is clean... Hopefully everyone is thankful... Each for something different... Each person knows their own heart... Sunday, November 28, 2021
What will the infrastructure bill do? Will taxes go up next year? Will inflation continue or get worse? They're all good questions, and this week Cain offers some observations. Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Politicians intent on exercising control over just about everything, have approved a new law that may have signficant impact on high school sports in North Carolina. Wednesday, November 24, 2021
According to data published on November 12th from the United States Job Openings and Labor Turnover report, a record 4.4 million workers walked away from their jobs in September. Wednesday, November 24, 2021
She was sitting on her sofa... Watching people talk about Thanksgiving... Say that everyone is so happy... But that may not be true... She is very happy now... But there have been unhappy Thanksgivings... Sunday, November 21, 2021
When does Christmas begin? Why, Christmas Day, of course. Yet for the morons and money-worshippers of Mammon and Madison Avenue, Christmas might as well begin some time in October. (1 comments) Friday, November 19, 2021
North Carolina hasn't had a full budget since the 2018-19 fiscal year because of political standoffs between Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and the legislature. The budget for the current fiscal year is more than four months overdue. Local governments and school systems have had to operate without a clear and definite figure on how much money they’ll get from the state. That may at last be about to change. Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Monday, November 15, 2021
In a world of dwindling good options for entertainment, what would a conservative enjoy? Let us consider television and confine ourselves, for the sake of argument, to that one medium. Thursday, November 11, 2021
Fans of this column are in luck. My book Going Plaid in a Solid Gray World: Collected Columns is out from Red Hawk Publications, the publishing arm of Catawba Valley Community College. Tuesday, November 9, 2021
You could make a difference... There are so many places that need... Need help... Need volunteers... The opportunities are endless... There are openings in many areas... Sunday, November 7, 2021
Back then people knew not only to say “thank you,” but they also knew that the proper response was “you’re welcome.” These days, when you sit down in a restaurant, if you thank your waitress, seemingly eight or nine times out of 10, the kid will say, “No problem,” or “Not a problem.” Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period began October 15 and ends on December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Monday, November 1, 2021
The Lincoln County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting and work session on Tuesday (Nov. 2nd) at 6 PM at the Schools Administrative Offices, 201 Jeb Seagle Drive in Lincolnton. At the special meeting, they're likely to approve new district lines for School Board elections--and their choices will be based on political, not educational, considerations. Friday, October 29, 2021
