I was not there. A bell ringer I know said she thinks it happened. While the choir, bell ringers, and pianist did their thing, 3 ladies from the congregation were to reenact the discovery of the rolled away stone. But it happened behind and not in front of the singers and musicians. But the bell...
Me: Pray for Me ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have any religious beliefs or affiliations, but I’m here to support you in any way I can. If you’re going through a tough time, I’m here to listen and offer words of encouragement. You’re not alone, and I’m rooting for you! Me: My...
On December 22, 1950, the Raleigh Register (Beckley, West Virginia) reported on its frontpage: “Helen Man Killed Instantly as Car Wreck’s Near Ury.” The State Police reported that Alfred J. Flanagan, 25, apparently lost control of his car, struck a boulder, and “careened along the bank of the road for about 100 feet before stopping.”...
This evening, Sandy and I sat upon a bench built by her father (Howard T. Skinner, Jr.) facing the new wildlife pond, home now for five of the best-looking frogs in Jefferson County. With her sniffer of Fireball and my Blue Moon beer (a must for blue collar yardwork), we toasted the memories of some...
Come around if you want to. Stay away if you must. Walking around with them greenbacks saying, “In God We Trust.” But you forgot about the rest of us, And more… You gave us opioids and a Dollar General store. Ascend WV is a politician’s dream. The program relies on gifted private sector money to...
On this day, when so many are showcasing their day of service focused on deeds and words, including photos, I thank you for your service in recognition of MLK day. It reminds me of all the other “fill-in-the-day” recognitions, holidays, and “look I care” photos and testaments, knowing that your political affiliations and affirmations serve...
A year ago on this day, a neighbor passed. It was a gallant fight with death. He did the regimen associated with brain cancer. He won round one, but round two was a bitch. He opted not to walk down the same path again. He took to smoking marijuana. It was an illegal act, but...
I receive regular emails from West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito. As a former congressional press secretary/speech writer for Congressman Harley O. Staggers, Jr. (1983 – 1993), I appreciate the intent and messaging spin. I was thinking/hoping that a new six-year term would invite the Senator to be more of a genuine statesperson, moving beyond...
This is the youthful cohort I shared November 22, 1963 with. We had the drill down for incoming nuclear missiles. Get under your desk. But, there was no preparation for fourth graders at Schuster Elementary School in El Paso, Texas that day for the assassination of John F. Kennedy. We were informed and released. I...