The Mayflower set sail for the colonies in July 1620 but turned back twice because the Speedwell was leaking. Finally, on Sept. 6, 1620, the Mayflower left England and arrived in Cape Cod 66 days late on Nov. 11, 1620. That first winter was hard; around half of the 102 passengers died. more

When I started these columns earlier this year, I did so because I wanted to share inspiring stories of our Club kids and their accomplishments and celebrate their successes. It never really occurred to me, however, that one day I would have to write my last one. more

Promptly at 5 p.m., every day, rain or shine, blizzard or heat, a volunteer bugler wearing a period World War I U.S. Army uniform stands at attention near the flagpole at the National World War One Memorial not far from the White House in Washington, D.C. more

More than 20 years ago, Tom gave me a gift certificate for an hour-long massage as an anniversary gift. I’d never had a professional massage before. (Women don’t count the one-handed massages men sometimes give while holding the remote with their other hand.) more

When Sedalia Bazoo and Sedalia Democrat reporters visited the coal mine at Montserrat on Nov. 11, 1877, they found the remains of what the Bazoo called a “holocaust,” a tremendous fire left after a riot involving the convicts sent from the state penitentiary in Jefferson City to work the mines as part of their incarceration. more

I read an article not long ago that took me back more than 50 years. The article was about a young man learning to milk a cow, and just like me, he had to learn the hard way. more

Last year, I shared my grandpa’s military service story with our readers in honor of Veterans Day. I interviewed him so my family would have that firsthand account saved, and turned it into a column. more

Just about the time that our clocks “fall back,” and the leaves on the trees are turning red or golden, we begin to think about the approaching end of the year celebrations of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s, and the grand get-togethers with family and friends. It is also the time of the year that we look to sparkling wines as our beverage of celebration and after all, what is a celebration without a sparkling beverage to brighten the occasion? more

One dictionary gives these explanations for the word “scapegoat:” 1. “a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur.” 2. “a person or thing bearing the blame for others.” more

Among the evils in this world, those committed against children (born or unborn) are the worst. Abortion heads the list, now more than 63 million and counting. more

There should be a warning on this column because it’s graphic, and if your stomach is as weak as mine, perhaps you should turn back now and save yourself. more

Author’s note: I have not yet heard from Philander Smith College, so I am writing about a different aspect of local history. When I find out what materials went from the burned George R. Smith College to Philander Smith College, I’ll write about it. more

In today’s political environment, one could easily conclude that America is in the midst of a metamorphosis, where its character and identity are undergoing radical change. more

Bobby Knight was the villain of my childhood. We were avid Fighting Illini fans at my house, so my parents pronounced the Indiana University basketball coach’s name in disdainful tones, as if they were talking about a particularly shocking criminal. more

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico – Losing a loved one is something that leaves a hole in the heart forever. Our culture sees death as permanent, and in many ways, it is. But in Hispanic culture, those who have left us are honored for two days each year on Nov. 1-2 during Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. more

Over the years, Max and I have been quick learners. For instance, we learned after only one incident that leaving the butter dish on the dining table overnight resulted in our cute little Bichon Fluffy’s eating all of it and being relegated to the backyard for most of the next day. more

If you have perennial plants you need to over winter outdoors, you must water them regularly through the fall and once a month through the winter. The soil should be moist to the touch. Do not water to the point the soil becomes soggy. more

Dear Editor: more

Earlier this week, the Missouri State High School Activities Association ruled that the young ladies of Houston High School’s volleyball team must forfeit their win in the Class 2 District 8 championship. Despite an appeal, the MSHSAA decreed that the Lady Tigers could not advance to sectional play against Stover. more

Some years ago, a student in my Argument class proposed writing a paper supporting the death penalty. I hesitated. The Supreme Court has made the law pretty clear regarding the death penalty, but because he wanted to do it, I gave the green light. more