The first nationally televised Presidential debate in 1960, carried simultaneously live on radio, was a gentlemanly contest between then U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, and Vice-President Richard M. Nixon, of California.

Millions of Americans just spent a relaxing or enjoyable weekend, welcoming summer, wrapping up the school year and graduation ceremonies, and heading out on long weekend mini-trips and even stay-cations, firing up the barbecue, opening up their community pool...or simply tossing back a few with family and friends.

It is again cap and gown season, with notes of "Pomp & Circumstance," wafting through the air all across the country.

One of the strongest tenets of our U.S. Constitution is our right to freedom of speech, leading the Bill of Rights along with freedom to worship as we choose.

Zelma Calhoun made some great pies.

I am a proud American and southerner, as well as a student of history.

​Thankfully, it is now more than a dozen years in the rear view that I realized a series of poor choices that I was making related to alcohol.

The United States has not had official diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran since the fall and departure of Mohammad Rez Shah, the Shah of Iran and last monarch of the nation in January of 1979.