It was a cold, snow-driven night on the plains. Only two sounds filled the cabin - the crackling from the fireplace and the whimpers of a newborn baby. The new father sat at the kitchen table and, by the light of a single oil lamp, entered into his Bible the date and the birth of the newest family member. ...more

March 29, 2009

In the days before he killed five family members and five others in the worst massacre in Alabama history, Michael McLendon told a confidant he was unfulfilled and depressed by his failure to become a police officer or a Marine. ...more

March 12, 2009

In the past week, I've twice been close enough to Dick Cheney to kick him in the shins. ...more

January 13, 2009

With all the talk of newspapers being replaced by the Web, what am I to do? ...more

January 9, 2009

Planning to start your holiday gift-shopping this week? If you have a genealogist to buy for, here's my gift to you: my annual Santa List, with something in every price range. ...more

November 23, 2008

You grab the dog; I'll grab the computer. Until recently, that was our family disaster evacuation plan. ...more

July 20, 2008

In 1917 – more than 90-years ago -- the United States entered the Great Conflict in Europe. Sixteen-year-old Frank Buckles decided he wanted in, too. He figured he could fib about his age; say he's 18. But the Army recruiter told him, "No good: you need to be 21." So he kept shopping around until finally, he found a recruiter who believed him when he said his home state of Missouri didn't keep birth records when he was born; it's back home on the farm, an entry in the family Bible. ...more

February 6, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: This an occasional series spotlighting local clergy members. This week's column features the Rev. Linford D. Houck, a minister at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. The church has about 330 members. Services include worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m. and family Bible hour at 9:15 a.m. The church's telephone number is (813) 752-4622. ...more

December 20, 2007