Column Articles

Inside the Statehouse | Dec. 12, 2024

The Bright Star — an Alabama institution OPINION — By far the most legendary restaurant in Alabama is The Bright Star in Bessemer. The famous establishment is iconic not only for its fabulous food but also for its hospitality.It is a Landmark of Alabama history. The...

Sean of the South | Dec. 12, 2024

Santa OPINION — I almost didn’t write this because I swore I’d never tell anyone what I’m about to tell you. But I have to.A few weeks ago I received a letter postmarked from Nunavut, Canada. An invitation said that I had been selected along with a few other writers...

Southern Hospitality | Around the table with The Observer

Staff, writers, photographers offer favorite holiday recipes BY ANN CIPPERLYFOR THE OBSERVER As Christmas approaches, Observer columnists are finishing up their holiday articles, and photographers are working on one more special shot as the full time staff looks over...

Making the Grade | Dec. 12, 2024

Sam's Southern Eatery OPINION — Have you noticed that as you get older, your tolerance for certain foods changes? For example, when I was a teenager, I could eat pizza at midnight, not even burp and then sleep like a baby.However, 20 years ago, my ability to eat spicy...
Tents, altars and sacred space

Tents, altars and sacred space

OPINION — Even though the land of Canaan would be given to his descendants, when Abraham sojourned there he and Sarah didn’t live in the best house...

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The farmer Jesus unchained

The farmer Jesus unchained

OPINION — What happened to Simon Peter can only be explained by the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. The leader of the twelve disciples chosen...

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Opelika High School roundup

Opelika High School roundup

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High School girls and boys golf teams are hosting a Community Golf Tournament on the short course at...

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Easter

Easter

BY SEAN DIETRICH A few years ago I attended my first Catholic mass in a busy church outside Birmingham. It was Easter Sunday. I sat in the nosebleed...

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Tents, altars and sacred space

The One who holds the stars

BY BRUCE GREEN The opening picture of Jesus in the book of Revelation is a breath taking one. It’s not the Jesus we’re used to seeing in paintings...

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The farmer Jesus unchained

The medicine my sick heart needed

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — We buried our boy, our only child, on a lovely day in May. Our hearts were burdened with grief. That summer we sought...

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