There’s a tree sitting on a patch of grass in an older, established area of Columbia. Situated at the point where Tomaka Road and Heatherwood Road intersect, the tree was planted 63 years ago by folks who are no longer here. Ever since, the tree has been the centerpiece of a community. It has been the focal point where a […]
Tradition continues for 63 years
Carolers have gathered around a huge sequoia every December 23 except one for 63 years.
50-year hangover started with “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love”
Best hangover he ever had is Fred Pugh’s enduring affiliation with The Swingin’ Medallions. The South’s Party Band, best known for its chart-topper, “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love,)” celebrated its golden anniversary last month. “Since the recent 50th anniversary of the song’s release, I have had any number of calls, messages, and people stopping me on the street to […]
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! For this final column of 2016, we look back to the January 1st issue of The Daily Phoenix published in Columbia in 1875. First, the editor, J.A. Selby’s New Year’s message: We have read an old-time story that January was dedicated to the old Italian King and Roman god Janus, because, from its situation, it might be […]
Quirky Crimes in the Capital City
Forest Acres Trenholm Road: A man who tried to pay a traffic ticket Tuesday at noon was surprised to learn one of the bills he was paying with was counterfeit . The 22- year-old man told the court clerk when he got the cash to pay the ticket, the bill in question was in the middle of the pile. He […]
ASK US AT THE STAR
What is the origin of the song “Auld Lang Syne,” as sung on New Year’s Eve?The song from a 1788 Scots poem by Robert Burns means “for the sake of old times.” Set to the tune of a traditional folk song, the lyrics were sent by Burns to the Scots Musical Museum with the note, “The following song… has never been in print until I took it down from an old man.” Some of the […]
Pet fitness centers and other puzzling things
It’s not a criticism; It’s an observationWhile wandering around Aiken a few weeks back, I passed a store named Aiken Pet Fitness. I was amazed. I realize we’ve become suckers for anything that advertisers tell us, and that most Americans long ago crossed the threshold from sensible pet partner to insane helicopter pet guardian. But a fitness store for pets? Do they have a little area […]
Passwords to Poodles
I’m just saying...My dog Whitman now has a Facebook page. We had our friends, Henry and Roy, visit over the holidays and over some munchies and wine one night while they were here, we decided a Facebook page for Whitman would be “just the thing.” I think the wine played a large part in that decision, but it really seemed like a […]
Resolve to keep making resolutions
40–SomethingI’ve attempted many New Year’s resolutions during my 47 years on this planet. I’ve actually been successful with a few, but more often than not, life or a timely excuse gets in the way. I’ve resolved to watch television less, but then God invented Netflix. I’ve resolved to eat more greens and less meat, but then I realize salad tastes […]
Thankful for Columbia Star and Annette Boette
Hi and happy holiday. I am writing to thank your paper for covering the Columbia Police Canine Unit recently and in the past. I really appreciate their work but also the work of Annette Boette in this effort and in her efforts to help your paper in keeping up on neighborhood events in her area. Annette has worked on behalf […]
Richland County to review funding process for Hospitality Tax Program
Richland County Council is reviewing its process of awarding taxpayer dollars to local organizations to promote tourism-related activities to determine whether the 11-member body needs to improve the way it allocates the grants, which are approved by a majority vote. The review will entail an internal audit and recommendation of a new approach for the distribution of hospitality tax proceeds. […]