Weekly Column

Dietary Decisions

My son and daughter just finished a semester of college at home, sitting in our pool house. They had it easy. Once the pandemic hit […]

An Overdue Apology

I have a long-overdue apology to make. In the early days of my writing career I used a lot of column inches making fun of […]

To the Mississippi Graduates of 2020

It’s graduation season. But in 2020 there will be no commencement ceremonies, no caps, no gowns, no cords, and no commencement addresses. The world might […]

Shut-In Shindigs

Critical times inspire creative methods. In the early days of this shelter-in-place, my wife, 22-year old daughter, 18-year old son, a friend who is temporarily […]

When It Rains It Pours

A couple of decades ago, an editor at one of my newspapers called and said, “Robert, we need to work on your opening sentences and […]

Grilling Lessons

If there is one thing that defines my family’s current situation in the middle of this global pandemic, it’s togetherness. My wife, 22-year old daughter, […]

Your Easter Lunch 2020

Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad Salad Dressing: 1 Tbl dijon mustard1 tsp sugar1 Tbl shallots, minced3 Tbl balsamic vinegar1/4 cup cottonseed oil1/2 cup virgin […]

Leadership In Crisis

In the 20-plus years I have written this weekly column I have covered all manner of topics. In the early days many of the subjects […]

Freezer Sandwiches and Football

This weekend a friend asked me, “How’s it going?” I said, “I’m walking around Home Depot with gloves on. That’s how it’s going.” I didn’t […]

Our Current Coronavirus Reality

There is a routine I have followed for the last 20-plus years I have written this weekly column. On Monday mornings I get to my […]

The Current State of Affairs

March 17, 2020 Good morning, everyone. We are living in strange, and scary times. The atmosphere around the restaurants is very surreal. It’s almost as […]

The Bon Ton Café

A week ago this morning, I was in New Orleans on a quick getaway with my wife. While reading the newspaper at my usual breakfast […]