Happy to be living in such a happy state of mind

Are you happy? If so, I am happy. But you and I might be exceptions. I just read a report by WalletHub, a personal finance company, that ranks the 50 states on a number of metrics to determine which states are the happiest. Georgia is listed as the 20th happy state.

A newspaper worth its salt prints stories without favors

Remember The Waltons on TV? It was a long-running yarn following the lives of a struggling, Depression-era, God-loving family in the mountains of Virginia. It might have been a bit too syrupy for some, but we thought it was a nice break from some of the crime shows of the 1970s.

Georgians moving away from state’s populous counties

People vote with their feet, as numerous studies about migration among the states have shown. But they don’t only do this by crossing state lines. The IRS publishes data every year about migration not only from state to state, but from county to county.

What can I do today?

I’m going to try to look out on the world that is unfolding before me and see what I can feel happy about right now. In reading the book, The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, I am encouraged in my moments of doubt to focus my thoughts on things that I hope to accomplish.

We support all of our Rabun first responders

Rabun County is filled with many heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty to render aid to those in need and keep the community safe. As a ‘thank you’ for their dedication, first responders were honored with a banquet on Friday, Aug. 30.

Drill continues in Okefenokee Drag-Mining controversy

Since we last discussed efforts to drill in our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for titanium dioxide so that mankind will never experience life without toothpaste whitener, nothing has changed – except a lot. What hasn’t changed? Gov.

Looks like free speech diminishing on college campuses

Free speech and college are supposed to go together like chips and salsa, or cake and ice cream. But lately, it’s more like someone poured picante on your rocky road. Two events – the Oct. 7 anniversary of Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel, and the U.S. presidential election on Nov.

Leaders meet more leaders

F ifty-three years ago, the notion of a Georgia leadership development program was initially proposed during a casual conversation between major Georgia Chamber of Commerce business leaders.

Sing a Song to the Precious Days of September

Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December. But the days grow short when you reach September. Truer words were never spoken – or sung. I wish I had written those words but they come from playwright Maxwell Anderson for the Broadway production of Knickerbocker Holiday in 1938.

Movie stunt double for ‘The Rock’ also has soft side

It seems appropriate that the popular American Ninja Warrior is showing on television when Myles Humphus telephones me. Humphus is not a Ninja, but he’s certainly a warrior. He could pass for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the actor. In fact, he has passed for Johnson, many times over the last 11 years.