SMITH: Kickers like Pennington a thing of the past
Today's place kickers would consider those upright, square-toe-shoed, straight-on kickers of the past to be relics. Antiques. Like Durward Pennington, whose extra point in the 1959 Georgia-Auburn game enabled the Bulldogs to clinch the Southeastern Conference championship.. A soccer-style kicker would view Pennington, who died
SMITH: Jarvis Jones for the Heisman
UGA linebacker becoming one of the top defensive forces in school history
SMITH: Beamer's slow start wouldn't cut it in 2012
Programs are now out for instant success, but Virginia Tech was patient in early years with its successful coach
SMITH: Redneck Gourmet
On the way to Callaway Gardens, it was refreshing to organize lunch at the "Redneck Gourmet," founded by the late Mike Smith and run by his widow Cile and her sons Casey and Chad.
LORAN SMITH: Hunter's Cafe a timeless destination for locals, coastal fishermen alike
SHELLMAN BLUFF — This coastal fishing village has not changed very much since the '40s when it had its beginnings. Naturally, it has experienced some growth, but it remains a village. It is the place which still attracts fishermen. When you come
LORAN SMITH: Hunter's Cafe a timeless destination for locals, coastal fishermen alike
SHELLMAN BLUFF — This coastal fishing village has not changed very much since the '40s when it had its beginnings. Naturally, it has experienced some growth, but it remains a village. It is the place which still attracts fishermen. When you come here, don't get in a hurry. If you do, the locals might think you are up to no good.For years, I have been making my way here to see John Donaldson, a former Georgia player and coach. John has slowed down, but his eyes light up when you talk fishing with him. His memory banks overflow with recollections of those days when every cast brought forth a keeper. Coolers overflowed. Laughter filled the air with anticipation of the fresh fish for the grill.
LORAN SMITH: Remembering Larry Munson the man before and beyond his legendary status
A unique perspective on the late UGA legend
LORAN SMITH: Remembering Larry Munson the man before and beyond his legendary status
Before Larry Munson became Georgia’s football play-by-play announcer in 1966, I knew him from his time working at Vanderbilt, where he had become a fixture in Nashville. His agenda included, in addition to announcing for the Commodores, hosting a popular television fishing show and working as the play-by-play voice of the Nashville Vols’ minor league baseball team.
SMITH: Julie Moran
Celebrating Julie Moran, UGA grad. Last week was a homecoming for her, bringing about an emotional high that was stimulating. She was honored by the Henry Grady School of Journalism, which inducted her into the "Grady Fellowship" for post graduate achievement. The trip back to Athens put her in touch
SMITH: No answers exist for such needless death
It was a funeral for a man whom I did not know, and I suspect I wasn’t alone. We were there out of respect for a fallen police officer. At the conclusion of the service on Sunday, I knew a lot more about Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian than I’d really like to know — like how his senseless murder took a father from 5-year-old Callie and 2-year-old Wyatt.
SMITH: Braves' Cox did things the right way
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — You see Bobby Cox moving about the Braves’ spring training complex with the same soft smile, the same bad-knees gait and accommodating demeanor as in the past. It’s just that he is not in uniform.
SMITH: A small town dripping with state history
TATE — Pink marble is still quarried in this section of the state, but it’s nothing like it was in its heyday when more than a thousand people worked in the marble industry in this settlement in Pickens County.
SMITH: The great experience of Oxford
OXFORD, Miss. — Pardon me if you’ve heard this refrain before, but I try hard to find a reason to come here. Some might be curious about that. After all, once you visit William Faulkner’s old homestead, enjoy a hot toddy at The Grove during football season, grab a couple of new titles at Square Books, and order shrimp and grits at City Grocery spiced by a conversation with Chef-Owner John Currence, there is not so much to do.
SMTH: The perfect holiday gift of reading
One of the joys of the Christmas season is the gift of books, but even better is having the time to read. Somehow or other, you just put anything pressing aside for the holidays and immerse yourself into a relaxing environment. That allows for reading.
SMITH: Jones' mother molds him into standout football player
Those who should know give Ben Jones high marks as a prospect for Sunday employment in the National Football League. If he realizes his lifelong ambition, there will be many reasons noted for his reaching his goal.
SMITH: Manuel steers a steady course
When I think of Charlie Manuel, who has kept the Phillies in contention for the World Series title three years in a row, I think of a leathery, sun-tanned sailor -- an old salt -- hanging around the docks.
SMITH: Pitching is over, but Neikro can catch some fish
The waters of the upper Chattahoochee, rushing over the dam at Nora Mill just south of here, drown out the conversation of visitors who stop to feed the trout lounging below the observation deck.
Pitching is over, but Neikro can catch some fish
The waters of the upper Chattahoochee, rushing over the dam at Nora Mill just south of here, drown out the conversation of visitors who stop to feed the trout lounging below the observation deck.
LORAN SMITH: Former British Open champ Ballesteros missed at this year's tourney
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- When several former winners of the British Open championship gathered here yesterday for a four-hole exhibition, the most beloved European winner ever was missing.
SMITH: The Deen of Southern fare
SAVANNAH -- Paula Deen lives on Wilmington Island. Her kitchen is a television studio -- what did you expect? -- and if you are invited to see her tape her weekly show, you can sample the food when the crew breaks for lunch. Barbecued ribs and chicken, roast pork, salad, vegetables and sweet potato casserole for dessert. At least that was my choice for dessert.
SMITH: Dogs already in heaven when they become Uga
Uga VII, Georgia's beloved mascot, has died. His death has brought about extended grieving for those who are attached to the nation's oldest chartered state university. But it goes beyond that. People who love animals -- especially the legion of dog lovers -- are grieving along with those who wave the red and black.
SMITH: Boone isn't your average billionaire
DALLAS -- If you were to meet T. Boone Pickens, you would likely be impressed. Certainly not because he would try to impress you. It is just that he is bright, considerate, and articulate -- a man who strikes me as having empathy for his fellow man.
SMITH: Boone isn't your average billionaire
DALLAS — If you were to meet T. Boone Pickens, you would likely be impressed. Certainly not because he would try to impress you. It is just that he is bright, considerate, and articulate — a man who strikes me as having empathy for his fellow man.
SMITH: A lot of country gold passes backstage at the Opry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, Little Jimmy Dickens, age 88, is always cracking jokes, just like he has done on stage for more than six decades. The "Riders in the Sky" were harmonizing, and Vince Gill was vocalizing and subsequently singing the praises of Bob Wolcott, a former Bulldog golfer who gives him golf lessons. Holly Williams, with long flowing blond hair -- the granddaughter of the legend himself, Hank Williams -- was there along with an up-and-coming group called Steel Magnolia, veteran performer Stonewall Jackson and the Opry square dancers.
Salute to a great athlete and neighbor
Although I haven't checked, I'll bet there is a Hall of Fame for post hole diggers. Perhaps there is even a meerschaum Hall of Fame. A barber's Hall of Fame for sure, and if Winterville's Herschel Reeves isn't a member, there's no justice.
There's nothing like a good church service
CASHIERS, N.C. - I went to church in North Carolina recently, and I liked it. Made me feel good because of the humble and modest atmosphere that prevailed.
It's funny how many people can't take a joke
With today's political correctness, you never know when a topic can be discussed without repercussion. Sometimes we make too big a fuss, especially when the story is not spoken with intent to injure or insult.
Good dawg
My friend Uga VI is dead.
Towns across America showcase their goods
HARLEM - How many times during your travels have you seen a road sign advertising a local attraction and ignored it?
