Columns

Downton Abbey finale not grand, but jolly good

The grandiose title Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is challenging to live up to, but the film’s cast and crew does an earnest, compelling job as we’ve come to expect. The beloved British franchise first struck gold on PBS circa 2010-15 before its successful transition to the silver screen.

Taste of Amelia is more than just good food

One of the many wonderful things about Amelia Island is the variety of delicious and diverse restaurants. Whether it’s fresh seafood, a casual lunch, or fine dining, Fernandina Beach offers diners a mouthwatering selection of choices.

Bad-blood clash with Texans offers Jaguars a reset

Social media is the worst place after every Jaguars loss. The trending topics after the infuriating 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals illustrate the daily news cycle between Sundays. Why is Brian Thomas Jr. shying from contact? Is Trevor Lawrence the guy?

So long: Deaths of well-known artists give pause

Another week, another famous artist’s death. It may seem silly or cliched, but whenever a longtime musician or veteran actor passes away, a piece of my life goes with them.

Celebrating a special day for a very special person

Twenty-one years ago, my life changed forever. It happened in a small suburb of Dayton, Ohio. A place where my career took me on a brief and otherwise uneventful pitstop — all but for this one life-altering event. It was in Troy, Ohio, on Sept.

Bengals represent true test for Jaguars regime, defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars' 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers was like steamrolling a soda can, effectively a fourth preseason game.

Appealing music is in the ear of the beholder

It’s often said that music is a “universal” language – generally with lyrics, a melody and beat. That may be true, but not much simultaneously unites and divides Americans as the sound of music.

Mischievous Caught Stealing deserves to catch strays

The premise of Caught Stealing was intriguing enough: A bartender and ex-baseball player (hence the title) — portrayed by rising star Austin Butler — unwittingly gets embroiled in a deal involving mafia and dirty money.

After a half-century, I still follow sports of all sorts

Most sports fans can relate to my conundrum. I have cheered for and followed the same college and pro teams since my childhood in the 1970s. In my particular case — and I would think there are a few of you who can relate or empathize — most of “my” teams have struggled or been underachievers.

What’s brewing? Hot or iced coffee on my watch

Like many journalists, I’m a caffeine addict. My proverbial poisons are coffee, hot or cold, and icy Coke (ideally in a glass bottle). Not a coffee “snob” per se, though I dislike lukewarm cups; my black gold must be hot or purposely iced — even frozen during sweltering summers.