What used to be where in Calhoun
Questions and Answers: Serving as an introduction to the varied topics to be discussed today will be the answer to a couple of questions with which this writer is confronted often. The questions are 1) How long does it take me to write a column, 2) After writing a column for 48 years, how do I find something about which to write, 3) And then there are suggestions that I work eight- hour days at the Calhoun Times office.
In answer to the first question about how long, let me once again say that when I sit to write and get the first sentence on paper, I will finish in about one hour or a little over. The point has long been made here that when it takes me much more than an hour I don’t have time to write a column.
As for topics about which to write, let me emphasize the problem is what topics or themes to be omitted. For instance, I am looking at a list of six things about which I would like to comment today. It would probably be expedient to write a sentence or so about each of them. Instead I will begin to “wax eloquent” about one or so and use up space allotted.
I do not work at the Calhoun Times. I do go by occasionally and visit the several staff member working there. For me it makes for a pleasant visit. Also, those who make such decisions have declared in several disclaimers that the views expressed in my columns are mine and not necessarily those of the editors or others associated with the paper. Surely, by now readers know that this old writer will take responsibility for all positions advocated and defend those position to the hilt. (* Editor Brandi’s Note: If we could hire Coach Smith to work for us, we would have him in here with us all day every day. We love his visits and his wisdom on all things Calhoun and Gordon County, but the good coach is strictly a contributing columnist, just like Ken Herron, Jay Ambrose and Dick Yarbrough.) Now for some topics at hand: ” What used to be where in Calhoun:”
For what on the surface seems like an odd expression, the title my mind.
This discussion in summary form says Calhoun, like most other small towns, has changed dramatically over the years. Maybe older and longtime residents should apologize before we take off on a discussion of “What used to be where in Calhoun.” There is a whole generation growing up who will see the present Calhoun and Gordon County disappear ( change) before their eyes. How much coffee do you drink? There are no more varied positions advocated than the one on the issue of drinking coffee. Some studies say avoid coffee, while just yesterday I saw a segment on television news telling how good coffee was for people, especially in the area of preventing some common and killing diseases. As for me, I don’t like coffee. I do drink a cup or so each morning for digestive purposes. My friend, the late Coach Ron Purdy, consumed his coffee regularly during the day and into the evening.
Incidentally, in all the advice about the amount to drink or not drink, no one ever mentions the strength of the coffee consumed. I marvel at a grandson who, when making his coffee in a Mr. Coffee, fills the filter completely up. I use one scoop whether I have a cup or so of water in the reservoir or completely full. Now, there has to be a difference. Topics I could write about today: A discussion of “Talent is never enough.”
Did medicine kill Elvis? You have read where I have stated on my tombstone will be the words “He said his medicine was killing him.”
The issue of careers ( athletic and otherwise) coming to an end and attributed reasons.
A brief discussion of William Cullen Bryant’s great poem Thanatopsis. ( This was one of Miss Geraldine Legg’s favorite in her American Literature class at Calhoun High. His poem discussed death but points in it apply to many aspects of life.)