Do you like stories? We all have them. Some good, some bad, some happy and some sad.
We learn from stories. Hopefully, they will make us stronger and appreciate who we are and how to treat others. This is your Captain speaking, so climb aboard and let me take you where you might laugh or cry but will always learn something from history.
Autumn is such a precious time for us Grandparents. The leaves change, the air turns crisp, and everywhere we turn, there are reminders of cozy family moments waiting to be made.
There's something soothing about turning on a game and hearing the familiar voice of an announcer we know, love, and trust.
Many of us experience times when we don't know what to say to a grieving loved one or friend.
Football player, golden glove boxer, Army ranger, paratrooper, helicopter pilot, screen star, country artist, songwriter. Kris wrote songs about lovers, loners, boozers and a footloose pair of hitchhikers. A life well lived.
A brother sees you at your best and your worst. Sees you come last and sees you come first. Sees your lows and sees your highs, but through all of this, he always stands by.
Native American culture and wisdom provide us with profound insights into our relationship with our purpose in life.
I hope your excited for all the special experiences autumn has to offer and remind you of the beauty of letting go and falling forward into new seasons and opportunities.
Whether you love mornings or fit in with the night owl crowd, take some time to just have a quiet moment and enjoy this month.
Although they haven't always looked the way they do now, scarecrows have been around a long time and have been used in a number of different cultures.
He was only five feet four inches tall; Baby Face Nelson became the most wanted man of Depression-Era America.
There are certain kinds of criminals who can electrify public opinion. To some, they're just common thugs. To others, they're heroes.
The good thing about a democracy is that if the elected leaders don't do what you want them to, you can vote them out of office.
When the Friday night lights illuminate across America, entire cities shut down and everyone convenes at the local high school football game.
The first day of school - a mix of excitement and nervousness! I can tell we're going to be friends.
Our memories build a special bridge when loved ones must part, to help us feel we're with them still and sooth a grieving heart.
Baseball isn't just a game; it's a reflection of American society. Baseball is big business, contributing significantly to the American economy.
Why is watching the Olympic games so addictive? Each one of these world athletes will have their moment in time.
The U.S. Navy deployed a variety of small boats to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, but the best known of these is the river patrol boat. PBR - patrol boat: riverine.
The music industry is a tough business. It takes a lot for an artist to not only make it in the music industry, but also survive enough to have a long-lasting career.
The 1960's witnessed the rise of rock & roll, birthing iconic bands. These two bands left us wondering what more they could have achieved had they stayed together.
Isn't it ironic that when we are young, we are itching to grow up and do adult stuff? But when we're at that adult age, we just want to go back to our childhood days and remain young forever.
Many of us who grew up during the 60's have fond memories of the toys we played with, the culture that was created, and the sweets we spent our money on.
Talk about poems, prayers and promises and things that we believe in. How sweet it is to love someone, how right it is to care.
The essence of a lazy summer day and the beauty of being able to simply sit back, relax, and appreciate the world around us.
An American mountain man of the Old West. At age 75 there were no more trails for John Jeremiah "Liver Eating" Johnson.
Remember those butterflies in your stomach, your heart doing somersaults because you're head over heels for someone?
They are the professionals behind the camera that capture what you see through their lens.
Family Reunions - A thing of the Past or Key to the Future? A wonderful way to reconnect and strengthen family bonds.
Most people do their best when they're young. All we can deal with is what's out there and the Lord take a liking to you and see you down the highway.
The 4th of July is one of the most important federal holidays in the United States of America and holds a special place in the heart of every American.
When it comes to beating the heat, there's no better place than one of the spectacular swimming holes in West Virginia.
It was like a street cop going into a bad neighborhood. You can have all the guns, vests, and radios you want, but you need street smarts or you're going to be dead within an hour.
Why do people move to America? There are many reasons one may want to immigrate to the United States.
Summer is officially here! Let all your worries and stress go away and enjoy every minute of it!
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Fictional bands have a unique way of captivating our hearts and minds and always leave us with a lasting impression.
If we could turn back the clock and impart our present wisdom to our past selves. Crank up your 8-track player!
The classic struggle of balancing work and family and a father's quest for success in his career and his son's desire to spend time with him.
Fox "News" is a purveyor of propaganda and misinformation. What it's not is a source of "news" - at least not by any normal definition.
The death camp the Nazis built in occupied southern Poland during World War II was like a crack in the surface of the Earth through which hell could be seen.
The D-Day military invasion that helped to end World War II was one the most ambitious and consequential military campaigns in human history.
There is nothing better than knowing that you've made a difference to someone or something. After all, what are our lives without the meaning of making others' lives better?
Our years together may be gone. Our yesterdays are past. But you're alive in memory and memories can last. Hold on to your dreams!
We've come a long way baby! While specific issues and cultural context have changed, the spirit of activism, individuality, and idealism persists among college students today, much like we old hippies of the past.
Songs that defined the Vietnam Era in so many ways, still hold so much relevance today.
The Vietnam War continues to be one of the most important historical events of the 20th century.
On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave Americans who served during World War II, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
Words of wisdom for this younger generation. Life lessons learned for my grandchildren.
A.J. Foyt, a legendary figure in motorsports, left an indelible mark on the Indianapolis 500.
Those that continue to look the other way, don't call yourselves patriots, and please never say "thank you for your service" to a veteran.
Never forget that freedom came at the expense of the brave heroes who lost their lives fighting to protect it.
When you find yourself south of the Mason-Dixon line, you'll notice quite a few differences.
My mother, my friend so dear. Throughout my life you're always near. A tender smile to guide my way, you are the sunshine to light my day.
Idioms are fascinating linguistic creatures. There like colorful brushstrokes on the canvas of language.
Memories are always precious, they are memories which will stay, and even though the time goes by, they will never be taken away.
Mike Pinder's lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come.
Though they are small in numbers, everyone knows who they are, and everyone knows at least a few of their unique customs.
He dreamed of something better, and my mama's faith was strong. Us kids were just too young to realize.
We rewatch old movies because they allow us to relive a time we remember with fondness.
Country music has always been about storytelling, and sometimes the best stories come from unexpected places.
Making memories. Why the things you remember about high school will surprise you. Channel your inner wizard.
There are males and there are men. Men are easy to spot. They're strong, tough and dangerous. They're the guys you call when you need help. They're dependable, self-reliant, and they've got their act together, they're not boys.
Tornadoes serve as somber reminders of the immense power and unpredictability of nature.
Eric Carmen was one of the great balladeers of our time. His distinctive voice and his ability to write catchy hooks made his songs memorable.
It all began more than forty years ago when "Precious Moments" was created as gifts for family and friends.
Three guys were tried for crimes against humanity. Two guys committed crimes. One guy didn't.
In baseball a "cup of coffee" means a short time spent by a minor league player at the major league level.
The B-24 bomber crews of World War II were brave and faced incredible dangers on their missions. Nearly 71% of bomber crews were either killed or went missing in action.
In the dense canopy of Vietnam, where the sunlight fought to touch the ground, there was a legend whispered among the locals of a mysterious figure that roamed the jungle.
A song written by a Vietnam-era veteran in support of the men who served and against the children of privilege who evaded the draft.
Many a mile of roads are littered with gremlins that lie in wait, waiting for unsuspecting bikers to pass by close enough for them to latch on to their motorcycle.
Is MAGA a cult? Listening and observing everything for the last few years, it sure does look like a duck and sounds like a duck.
The South can feel like its own little country, and Southerners, take great pride in their traditions.
Southwest Virginia is a phenomenal place to explore for anyone who appreciates the wilderness, as well as those who enjoy delving into Appalachian culture.
Basketball, the thrilling heart pounding game that captures the hearts of fans across America. Resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
Sixty years after the Beatles invaded America, the effect of their conquest still reverberates.
A tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
It's about getting older. It's about pushing on in life and maturing through love, exploration, heartbreak, and betrayal.
Toby Keith was a hit country crafter of pro-American anthems who both riled up critics and was loved by millions of country music fans.
A little guy I worked with at the Mannheim Confinement Facility in Germany. Thumbs up for Tommy!
A movement in which anti-war demonstrators focused on positive values such as peace and love instead of brute force and rebellion in order to fight for freedom.
It is more than a chance to wear green, swig some green beer, and spread a little bit of luck. The holiday marks Irish pride that is steeped in history dating back to 1631.
Southern Italy boasts ancient ruins, picturesque coastal towns, and - best of all - delectable pizza.
Baseball talent is a source of joy and entertainment. Watching a home run, a strikeout, a diving catch, or a walk-off hit. It creates bonds and friendships among fans, players, and coaches, as they share their passion and appreciation for the game.
We've all had the feeling before of knowing something was going to happen right before it did.
Life is dispensed in differing amounts. It is not how LONG we lived - its HOW we lived that counts.
Remembering some of the legendary disc jockeys and sets they've played over the past decades.
Home to the Descendants of the French Creek Pioneers. It is the oldest settlement in Upshur County West Virginia beginning in 1808.
During the mid 1800's there was an unusual sighting of a white creature that roamed around the outskirts of French Creek.
Is there anybody out there? Big daddy on the air, are you listen' to me? Flip that switch, check that mic.
We are in an age where we don't trust the people reporting the news. Despite all this, there are still some trustworthy news sources out there.
My brothers and I escaped to a rented mountain cabin in West Virginia. In the end, all we have are stories. Not money, not possessions. None of that counts. Only stories count.
Our daily lives are filled with all sorts of lies. But it's a completely different ball game for people who are famous.
Last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.
The crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler, and the charming small towns seem to be filled with the welcoming spirit of the holiday season.
Everyone has a story to tell, a lesson to teach, and wisdom to share. Life is a beautiful masterpiece bound together by our experiences.
The greatest frontier hero in American history - bar none. I don't know who you could compare him to. This guy walked in the Valley of Death every day for thirty-two years and came out alive.
Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare.
Something about the charm and the friendliness of the people in small towns that always make you smile.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire. It's time for home.
Working hard behind the scenes and under the big guy's shadow. Underappreciated during the holidays, the amount of labor these tiny, mythical creatures' clock in is astounding.
Let me live within the moment. Let me feel all that I can. Let me cherish life for all it's worth. With everything I am.
Living in Rock Cave and what it does to me. Something about that house we lived in just wasn't right.
People who lived in the 1970's will remember this retro flashback to the grooviest decade.
The divisive decade gave us countless memorable slang words you could never forget. Can you dig it?
Alexander Hamilton once remarked that, "No citizen of the United States shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day."
A celebration of the fall harvest. A holiday that's perfect for gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude for our blessings.
I miss those knit pants, the tweed shirts and those crazy patterns printed on them. I miss the striped socks and platform shoes. The clothes were so comfortable, colorful, and expressive.
Through the first few decades of television, the last piece of music late-night viewers heard was "The Star-Spangled Banner before a station signed off.
Stop working so hard. Slow down and take time to appreciate the many things that life has to offer.
I find that the harder I work, the more luck I have. Chase your dreams at any age. Don't put off tomorrow, what you can do today.
There is something about a big pile of dried leaves that beckons to be jumped in. Afterwords, a hot cider with a cinnamon twist.
New military technologies and the horrors of trench warfare, World War I saw unprecedented levels of carnage and destruction.
One of the toughest things to ask yourself is to speak out when it would be easier to keep quiet.
Every year the number of WW II veterans we have left get smaller and smaller, reminding us of all the harsh reality of life. This is a dedicated story about "The Forgotten Fifteenth.
Peaceful people who enjoyed family, prayer, and creativity. An appreciation and respect for nature was of the utmost importance.
Haunted places in Virginia that will creep you out, give you goose bumps and send a shiver down your spine.
People read newspapers for various reasons. Some of the main reasons are to get reliable and in-depth information.
Railroads have been around for over a century and play an important role in our society. They represent progress, reminding us that life moves forward even when things seem slow or frustrating.
When you hear a train, you're being called to be still and pay attention to the small things in life that means so much. Ride the rails and experience the beauty.
Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows. I used to love September, but now it just rhymes with remember.
For generations of fans, Jimmy's music was simply the soundtrack of our weekends, vacations, and even the inspiration for major life changes.
Church bells ringing on a Sunday morning remind me of an innocent time, when whole families and communities gathered to worship. They also remind me of European towns. I find them uplifting.
I ain't as good as I once was. My how the years have flown. But there was a time, back in my prime when I could really hold my own.
Country roads are wonderful and peaceful. There are all kinds of beauty in the surroundings that you will see.
This time of year, the mountains are ablaze with color. As the sun sinks behind the rolling hills, it leaves in its wake, shades of brilliant red, yellow and orange.
The neighborhood pick-up baseball game and the lessons learned within it. Throw the bat up in the air and let's play some ball!
The words "United We Stand" were not just a throwaway motto but the foundation of how America intended to move on.
The hills and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains are steeped in dark legends and strange encounters.
It's time to admit what we were all dreading to say out loud; summer is coming to an end!
A game a lot like taxation - you drive hard to get to the green, and then you find yourself in a hole.
Dynamite comes in small packages. He was known for his mall stature, his comic songs, and his rhinestone-studded suits. His friends called him Tater, Jimmy the Kid. Country music fans know him as Little Jimmy Dickens from Bolt, West Virginia.
Walking the Appalachian trail in heaven. James Elliott "Eddie" Turner of Brush Fire will be missed. His talent on mandolin, guitar and vocals contributed to the success and longevity of the band.
Just when you thought you knew everything about wine. Making an entrance is important. One quick reaction can become your new reputation.
Navigating the final year of High School can eerily be similar to the first, with a lot of nerves and high expectations for the "Best Year Ever".
Each year, you come back with another incredible story. Looking back, I see a trail of beautiful and bittersweet memories.
Don't let people doubt you. Use your imagination because all great inventions come from a need to solve a problem.
You can spend all your time making money. You can spend all your love making time. If it all fell to pieces tomorrow, would you still be mine? Nothing can take away these blues. Cause nothing compares, nothing compares to you.
The Upshur Grays were a Confederate infantry company raised in a predominantly Unionist County in West Virginia.
One of the most overlooked benefits of friendship is that it helps keep our minds and bodies strong.
Whether you were friends in school or not, you share background and experience with these people. Your classmates are your age, and you share the same culture references. Chances are you know the same music, movies and books and likely root for the same sports teams.
The sun is hot and that old clock is movin' slow. But, it's July and a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Summertime is family time! Sunshine and tan lines! It's the season for relaxing and the pursuit of happiness.
If you try to change social classes, there's this feeling that you're forsaking the family, forsaking place, you're forgetting where you came from.
I always thought of my cousins as best friends, a forever person who was always there when they were needed.
If I should go tomorrow, it would never be goodbye, for I have left my heart with you, so don't you ever cry.
Makin' your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Takin' a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.
You never lived to see, what you gave to me. One shining dream of hope and love, life and liberty.
"FOMO- Fear of Missing Out" - "Fake it, See How They Take It" - "Crown On, Claws Out" - "Can't Touch This".
Marriage does take work, and like anything else in life, you must do the work to reap the reward.
One of the great stories of World War II. An ocean bound castle; the thick armored Bismarck was the first full scale battleship constructed by the Germany navy.
American servicemen in the pacific, huddled around radios to listen to the "Zero Hour" and Tokyo Rose.
A true story of personal courage, leadership and heroism under fire. Dogface soldiers who risked their lives, above the chaos and fear to perform not one, but multiple acts of battlefield heroics.
A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace. From someone who has made our world a brighter better place.
1983 shook up all of the old rules about how music worked. It was the year pop went crazy. All the music that matters in 2023 - kicks off somewhere here in the Cabbage Patch year.
A day created by Anna Jarvis to help heal our country still divided over the Civil War.
Freedom is what you experience when you go fishing. You can build strong relationships with your friends and brothers.
The War Between the States might be considered the ultimate "just war", as it led the United States through its growing pains and into adulthood.
Missed opportunities, not spending more time, accomplishing more, not doing meaningful work, procrastinating, not forming better habits, not mastering another language or skill, getting into bad relationships, making mistakes in a past relationship. Regrets suck!
If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on now. Cause there's too many places I've got to see.
It's 7th inning stretch time! The Major League Baseball regular season starts March 30th.
A challenging year for many Americans, but also a time of significant change and progress.
The blessed work of helping the world forward happily does not wait to be done by perfect men.
When a new year dawns, it's only natural to look at the landscape and speculate about what might happen in this ridiculous, beautiful sport.
St. Patrick's Day is more than a chance to wear green, swig some green beer, and spread a little bit of luck.
We lost a giant in popular music this month. His melodies are seared in the memories of generations of listeners.
An older brother is the best while growing up. They tease and may drive you crazy, but they will always protect you. A brother is someone who gives you lots to remember, to laugh about, to be grateful for, to love.
It's OK to close your eyes. What is important is who you are inside and the choices you make.
Hundreds of women acted as undercover agents, willing to risk their lives to help their cause. One of the most effective was Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew.
The first glimpse of spring occurs when "pitchers and catchers report". Baseball is an American family tradition.
You can thank your friendly neighborhood retailer for the use of the term President's Day. Hail to the Chief! From worst to best.
Sixty years ago, much of the news was dominated by the action of civil rights activists and those opposed them.
Family times run deep in this land and I'm never very far from what I am. I got a hundred years of down home, running through my blood.
As the Scarecrow said in the "Wizard of Oz", I do believe in ghost. I do, I do, I do. Do you?
Strive to find your own voice and make the most of your life. Focus on what you can accomplish and make the most of it.
Groundhog Day is about fun! Those fearless groundhog prognosticators do not make good meteorologists.
The most gloomy and extraordinary weather ever seen. People called it, "Eighteen Hundred and Froze to Death" and the "Poverty Year."
Why are we kneeling? Respect? Forgiveness? Honor? Strength? Surrendering? Lifetime commitment?
An American gold medalist and considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports.
Thirty more seconds and the fiddles start playin', turntable's ready got records at hand. I still get a thrill every mornin', when I tell 'em, howdy there friend out in radio land!
We all have different journeys, different paths along the way. We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay.
The days are shorter, the nights are colder, and the trees are bare. Inside, fireplaces are crackling to shield loved ones from the chilly air.
Having more time to do the things that matter most to you is the Hallmark of retirement.
A story about my 5th Great Grandfather and his adventures coming to America from Juliers, Germany.
Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made. If you want different results, make different choices.
Take the time, set it apart and think for a few minutes about what the things are, that really matter about Christmas.
What happens to you, happens to everyone. It's not the blowing of the wind that determines your destination.
Few know the full story of the tragic shootings at Kent State because of inaccurate media reports and the protracted legal proceedings against the National Guardsmen involved.
History is a trail that was walked by our ancestors. For us to know it and them, we must retrace it, look at it honestly and perceive it realistically, then tell it factually.
Descendant and Pilgrim John Alden, a crew member on the historic voyage of the Mayflower.
One of the largest music festivals held in history. A defining event for my generation.
Honesty, transparency, truthfulness and full disclosure is the bedrock of any healthy relationship.
A storyteller who understood the true measure of life's meaning, lies in love, grace, gentleness, and forgiveness.
By day a quaint village full of sunshine and banter, by night a place haunted by hoof beats and laughter.
Veterans Day means everything to my brothers. In honor, of all those who have served and especially to those who have fallen to protect our freedoms.
Trick or treating, Halloween parties, costumes, carving pumpkins, telling scary stories filled with monsters and going to haunted houses.
Remember to trust your intuition, trust your suggestions and when life throws you a curve just jump over the hurdle.
Something about a motorcycle captures the imagination and inspires passion like nothing else.
Gensing, Ramps, pepperoni rolls, deer hunting, talented musicians & Mountaineer football.
A hot temper & sharp tongue General that leads his men to victory. Bring back the Buffalo soldiers.
Remember this story the next time life gets a little rough or something doesn't go as planned.
Legendary women journalist, Cokie Roberts and Jessica Savitch. The personification of human decency.
The history of the Memorial Day poppy. The real story of Desmond Doss. The town of Bedford, Virginia.
Shawn interviewed for a position and was asked, what he would consider his greatest weakness.