Albany Herald

Bum Phillips finds peace on his Texas ranch

Not far from Goliad, Texas, a town of nearly 2,000, is the cutting horse ranch of Bum Phillips, the colorful National Football League coach who is remembered, among other things, for his wearing of cowboy boots on the sideline and for his wide-brimmed Stetson, except for games played indoors.

The hot dog, oh what a treat

You won’t find any health food advocates suggesting that you eat more hot dogs. In fact the advice you will get from those who know best is to stay away from them.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Scott finally ends Aussie’s Masters curse

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back on just how special Adam Scott's Masters was to the game of golf --- and the nation of Australia.

Paper, fire, coffee ... a perfect morning

Features column

We are about to leave the chill of winter’s hangover — not with regrets, but with anticipation of spring’s sunshine and balmy temperatures, which will offer more opportunity for outdoor recreation.

MASTERS COLUMN: Masters fans unlike any others

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith, who is covering The Masters all this week, takes a closer look at the fans who flock from all over the world to Augusta this time of the year.

MASTERS COLUMN: The legend of Ben Hogan will never be forgotten

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith, who is in Augusta all week at the Masters, takes a look back at former champ Ben Hogan's mastery.

MASTERS COLUMN: Hard to forget Masters win by Georgia’s own Tommy Aaron

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith, who is spending all week at the Masters, looks back on the thrilling win by Georgia's own Tommy Aaron 40 years ago.

MASTERS COLUMN: Some things about the Masters I hope never change

Herald Guest Columnist, who will join Herald writer John Millikan at The Masters this week, looks back on some of the more memorable moments in Masters history, while hoping the things that helped create those moments never change.

Spring training an annual pilgrimage

Features column

If you are a baseball player, you get to wear your uniform all your life. When he quit managing the Dodgers, you still would see Tommy Lasorda in his familiar No. 2 at Vero Beach every spring-before the Dodgers lit out for Glendale, Ariz., jilting a community which had supported the team and provided limitless incentives for decades.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Masters week brings tradition, memories

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about the Masters golf tournament, which begins Thursday and brings a sense of nostalgia to Augusta.

Russ up for the job as Uga IX

With spring’s refreshing atmosphere — accented by soothing breezes and the fragrance of colorful blooms — gaining momentum, Russ, the Georgia mascot, is enjoying the outdoors on East 58th Street, where he lives in Savannah.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Americus loses true hero with former coach Hightower’s recent passing

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back on the life of Americus coaching legend Jimmy Hightower, who was laid to rest recently after losing his battle with throat cancer late last week.

Where is the charm today?

Features Column

When you spend time on the road, you often have time to reflect, reminisce and recall the past. One of the things which brings emotional satisfaction is to drive into the countryside, accompanied by the signal of a country music station.

Webster truly a Dawg for all seasons

Features column

A conversation with Fred Webster is a reminder that we all fall in one of two categories: you are either growing old or someday you will be. If you’re in the latter grouping, the former will come sooner than you think.

Charleston maintains a laid-back pace

Steeped in history, energized by tradition, and boasting students who matriculate at three local colleges, Charleston, S.C., doesn’t have a skyline-until a cruise ship slides up to the docks and empties a boatload of tourists.

Stripling’s full of down-home flavor

When Stripling’s, the everything-under-one-roof store developed by Ricky and Lisa Hardin, the sausage-making family from Warwick — that south Georgia town where it is best to obey the speed limit — decided to franchise with a Watkinsville address, they wanted just the right family to partner with.

COLUMN: Six decades later, Morocco still a Georgia hoops legend

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes about Zippy Morocco, a former Georgia basketball player who was recently recognized for breaking the SEC scoring record 60 years ago.

COLUMN: There will never be another like Albany's Durward Pennington

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back on the life of former Albany High and UGA football star Durward Pennington, who died this week at the age of 73.

Altamaha River should be cherished by Georgia

LUMBER CITY — This town got its name because, in these parts, there once existed the largest sawmill in the South. That, I’m sure you agree, makes sense. It is best known, however, for something else.

Adele chose good works over Easy Street

Features column

In the course of one’s life there is exposure to the good and bad. The overachievers and the ne’er-do-wells. The ordinary and the elite.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Musial was one of baseball’s classiest heroes

As a tribute to recently deceased St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan Musial, Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back on the life and career of Musial, while also recounting the impact the one visit they shared together had on him.

Country icons of yesteryear still endure

This time of the year brings about something of a down time for the Grand Ole Opry. The historic spectacular of WSM Radio does not go into hibernation in January but there is less interest in the Opry in the first month than at any time of the year.

Rye whiskey’s making a big comeback

Features column

In the shank of a recent evening as winds from a Midwestern front signaled that temperatures would be dropping precipitously in this part of the country, Mat Garretson, a Georgia boy, was waxing with warm emotion in his voice about the resurgence of interest in rye whiskey.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: It's time for some Bulldog Bowl History

Herald Guest Columnist and former UGA sidelines reporter Loran Smith relives one of the more memorable Bulldog bowl games in history.

My mother a part of the greatest generation

For years, I thought that my mother would become a Centenarian, but after 98 years and eight months, she recently succumbed to the ravages of old age.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Tubby Smith as good as it gets in college basketball

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about current Minnesota men's basketball coach Tubby Smith, who has brought high expectations to the Big 10 program.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Royal was the ultimate salt-of-the-earth football coach

Loran Smith remembers legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal.

South Dakota hospitality hard to beat

Returning to South Dakota stimulates so many redeeming emotions. I am beside myself as I take in familiar sights including the state Capitol, the abundant Canada geese which flock here this time of the year and congregate en masse by the Capitol lake, the nearby Missouri River and thoroughfares crowded by businesses and commercial entrepreneurs — as they are in every other community from Kennebunkport to Laredo.

COLUMN: Sure glad Rambo plays for the Dogs

Albany Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back at the huge impact UGA standout safety and former Seminole County star Bacarri Rambo has had during his career, which will end either tied or in first for the most interceptions in Bulldogs history by the end of the season.

Who’s picking up the Czech?

Nothing like a little humor to make your day. Good humor travels with the greatest of alacrity these days, which means that happening upon a fresh collection of humor is soon gone with the wind.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Yes, I said it --- Jarvis Jones for Heisman

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith makes his case for UGA star LB Jarvis Jones to become the first college player on defense in 15 years to win the Heisman Trophy.

Computers sometimes offer too much information

As a high school student, I was always interested in geography, although I can’t remember taking more than one course.

Fly fishing from the master in Blue Ridge

BLUE RIDGE — It is always good to return to this mountain community where tourists like to hang out. Anytime of the year is a good time to come to Blue Ridge, especially now with the leaves turning and everybody enjoying the opportunity to put another log on the fire.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Patience pays off in college football — just ask Beamer

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and his success in college football, which didn't come immediately.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Season isn’t over for UGA

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes about the Bulldogs' need to put Saturday's loss to South Carolina behind them.

October is the best month in the year

October should last longer. How nice it would be if it could be renewed. Make it endure, make those comfortable temperatures linger.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Super smart scheduling may put UGA on path to title

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith lauds Georgia’s crafting of the 2012 football schedule that pushed its meeting with South Carolina back to further in the season.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Bulldogs find a ‘Friend’ in their O-line

Former Bulldogs sidelines report and Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith lauds the job that UGA offensive line coach Will Friend as done in Athens.

A leisure drive offers cherished attraction of history

FULTON, Mo. — Stopping at the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library on the campus of Westminster College is like finding an oasis in the desert.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Watson continues to be fan favorite on PGA Tour

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes about former Georgia golfer Bubba Watson and his popularity with fans.

‘Home on the Range’ can be found in middle Georgia

In those formative years of the past, my imagination would always run rampant with the words of certain songs with which I became familiar by listening to the radio. One was “Home on the Range.”

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Missouri fans sure know how to host a football game

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes this week that while Missouri lost to his beloved Bulldogs over the weekend, the town --- and their fans --- were gracious losers and still made sure all those who came had a good time.

I am thankful for my neighborly mom

My mother is 98-years-old and has a clear mind but limited mobility. We have round-the-clock-care for her in the northwest corner of Johnson County in a community known as Buckeye.

I am thankful for my neighborly mom

My mother is 98-years-old and has a clear mind but limited mobility. We have round-the-clock-care for her in the northwest corner of Johnson County in a community known as Buckeye.

LORAN SMITH: Remembering the old days

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks ahead to college football season and all that’s in store with a playoff on the horizon, while also remembering how things used to be.

Tim Chapman knows how to sell his point of view

At the Players Café, Tim Chapman, whose business success and Florida residency make good tax sense, was reminiscing about his time at Georgia. He was in a grateful mood, as he usually is.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Only winner at Open was Royal Lytham

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith wraps up his week-long stay across the pond covering the British Open for The Albany Herald with a look back at Sunday’s unpredictable finish that saw Adam Scott blow a big lead on an unforgiving Royal Lytham course and hand the Open's Claret Jug to Ernie Els on a silver platter.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Quiet morning in Lytham offers fans a chance to reflect

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about the scenic town of Lytham, which is hosting the British Open.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Former Bulldog English playing with confidence

Loran Smith writes a column about Harris English, a recent Georgia grad who rallies in the second round to make the cut in his first British Open.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: PGA Tour rookie English making most of British Open debut, despite up-and-down first round

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith catches up with recent Georgia grad Harris English, who shot a 1-over 71 in Wednesday's opening round of the 141st annual British Open.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Royal Lytham is unlike any other course

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith takes a closer look at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, the beautiful and challenging course the world’s best golfers will have to conquer this week at the 141st annual British Open.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Lytham abuzz as 141st Open Championship makes return

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith, who will be in England all week reporting on the 141st annual British Open, previews golf's third major of the year.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Catching up with Guy McIntyre

Former UGA sidelines reporter and current Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith sits down and catches up with former Bulldogs great Guy McIntyre, a Thomasville native.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Georgia native, legendary broadcaster Jackson settles into retirement

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes about Keith Jackson, who became the longtime face and voice of college football on ABC-TV.

You don’t have to be a redneck to like the rg

On the way to Callaway Gardens, it was refreshing to organize lunch at Newnan’s “Redneck Gourmet,” founded by the late Mike Smith and run by his widow, Cile, and her sons, Casey and Chad.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Olympic Club was the real winner of the U.S. Open

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith believes that except for Pebble Beach, there might not be a more exciting setting for a championship than the Olympic Club.

Georgia was represented well at the Alamo

SAN ANTONIO — The Alamo-or “Mission San Antonio de Valero” to the Spanish-is quiet and peaceful today, but it will always be remembered for a bloody battle in 1836 with which most everybody is familiar.

Brooklynite finds Georgia lake alluring

On Highway 53, the road to Dawsonville, only a half-dozen miles north of the chicken capital of the world, is a place called Harbour Point. Must have driven by it scores of times over the years without knowing what lay beyond the entry gate.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Story of UGA’s Olivadotti, daughter inspiring

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith sits down with Georgia linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, who shares his heartfelt --- and gut-wrenching --- story of his four-year-okd daughter Kasyn's battle with leukemia.

Bonnie and Clyde still not easy to find

There is much to see and explore in Texas’s most famous city. Houston and San Antonio, even Austin, might take exception to that, but Dallas, if you count the Metroplex, is the most populous in the state, with the most recent head count standing at 6,371,773. Houston’s population is 6,086,538.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Coaches just can’t get away from the sidelines

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith writes about the difficulty for coaches at any level to step away from coaching.

Immigrants often have fascinating stories

There has always been a fascination with immigrant stories — not about those who steal across any borders, but about those who come here to live the American dream and to immerse themselves into society, obeying the laws and giving back to their communities.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Fowler was a heck of a Dawg

Herald Guest Columnist looks back on the remarkable life and career of former UGA great Willie Fowler, who died of Alzheimer's last week.

Nature come naturally in the big city

A comforting respite on a weekend while visiting old friends, who live by the Chattahoochee in Atlanta, was again a reminder that in this state, there generally is a pleasant and alluring environment wherever you pause — there’s good living to be found everywhere.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Kuchar’s TPC victory at Sawgrass feels like a major championship

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about former Georgia Tech star Matt Kuchar's recent win at TPC Sawgrass.

The Tavern is more than just a breathtaking view

HELEN - Jimmy Harris, the gentleman proprietor of Unicoi Outfitters, didn’t have to extend his invitation but once: “Why don’t you come up for lunch and spend an afternoon on the Chattahoochee?”

An affection for entertaining shared with others

NORTH AUGUSTA, S. C. - The spacious home of Tim and Natalie Nixon overlooks the Savannah River. Out on the water, where once there were barges that floated cotton down to Savannah, there are now recreational and fishing boats.

Swainsboro, radio bring back fond memories

SWAINSBORO — Growing up in Wrightsville my first memory of Swainsboro, 26 miles away, was a bus trip over to the Pine Tree Festival in the mid-fifties. It was nice to experience a parade with an opportunity to observe displays and booths of all types. Not really anything to write home about, however.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Coca-Cola and Trippi

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith looks back on the life and career of UGA great Charley Trippi, who was honored last week.

There are many reasons to return to Aiken

AIKEN, S. C. - Last week during the Masters, I had the good fortune of spending time in Aiken, the laid-back Southern town with an interesting past.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Bubba’s the pride of Georgia

Herald Guest Columnist and longtime University of Georgia supporter Loran Smith looks back on the Bulldogs’ own Bubba Watson capturing the Masters on Sunday at Augusta.

Lotto win isn't always lucky

In case you haven't heard, I did not win the lottery.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN:The third round can be magical — and oh, so cruel

Loran Smith writes about the brutal third round of the Masters

MASTERS COLUMN: Floyd and the Masters have a little history

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith reflects on on the many Masters memories that Raymond Floyd has produced over the years.

LORAN SMITH: No one like Arnie

Loran Smith is at the Masters all week, and on Wednesday he writes about longtime legend Arnold Palmer.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: There's nothing but class at the Masters

Loran Smith writes about the rare beauty and majesty of the Masters.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Georgia native Westbrook a soft-spoken hero

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about Cardinal pitcher Jake Westbrook, a native of Ila, Ga., who was instrumental in St. Louis' World Series title last season.

Little boys’ game is big business

Little boys play baseball when it is fun for everybody. While immature exuberance often goes over the top with some parents, the most fun for the little guys comes when the game is over, nobody is bent out of shape with regard to who wins or who loses, and there is pizza and ice cream for everybody.

COLUMN: Furman, I will miss you, dear old friend

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith offers his tribute to the life and career of the dean of Georgia sports writers, Furman Bisher, who died last Sunday at the age of 93.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Don Sutton’s story is one we can all appreciate

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about Former Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton and his journey to 300-plus wins and 3,500-plus strikeouts.

Thomasville a city in full bloom

Spring likely will have sprung in Thomasville by the time this reaches print — if not in full bloom, enough so that the planting of crops, the flowering of plants and shrubs, and emergence of balmy conditions will signal that the growing season has begun in this gem of a south Georgia community.

COLUMN: Was UGA’s win vs. UF a sign of things to come?

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith takes a closer look at Saturday's huge confidence-building win for the Bulldogs over the Gators, which may have signified big things for the future of the struggling program.

Serendipity something to relish

Serendipity is when you get a surprise package at your front door that links you to your past. That happened a few days ago, when a box of pear relish showed up at our address — six mouth-watering jars of a side dish I learned to appreciate to the fullest, growing up on a farm where the highlight of the day was a filling meal.

‘Hunting with Hap’ in Albany, a good time

DESOTO — On a cold day — not biting, but just right for quail hunting — the hospitality of the hosts warmed the atmosphere considerably.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: UGA plays fantasy football

Herald guest columnist Loran Smith writes about Georgia's perceived easy football schedule next season.

Making do is something we all can learn

A long flight or time spent driving to a destination, deep in an adjoining state, allows time to reflect and reminisce.

LORAN SMITH COLUMN: Could we be in for a Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh Super Bowl?

Herald Guest Columnis Loran Smith takes a look at Ravens coach John Harbaugh as Baltimore gets set to duel with the Texans in the AFC divisional round of the playoffs Sunday, which could set up a rematch against his brother Jim, the coach of the San Francisco 49ers, in the Super Bowl.

Stories this photo appears in:

Features column

Features column

Features Column

Features column

Features column

Features column

Comments

Sign in to comment

Or login with: