Charleston Currents

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MY TURN, Sakran: The power of optimism

By Jason Sakran, special to Charleston Currents | If I didn’t know better, it would appear Charleston is suffering from so many problems and shortcomings that some believe our best days are behind us.

Sakran

Based on the tone and tenor of some elected officials, candidates, and citizens — issues like flooding, affordable housing, crime, and over-development have become so powerful in themselves, they seem to drown out any discussion about hope, optimism and defining what our vision for Charleston 2050 is?

by Special to Charleston Currents · 10/07/2019 · Comments are Disabled · My Turn, Views

BRACK: Drama on television is fine, but not by SCETV board

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | There’s been more drama recently among S.C. Education Television leaders than on Downton Abbey.

The chairman of SCETV and two others resigned this week after months of scheming to try to get more money from the nonprofit endowment that has pumped in millions of dollars to ensure South Carolinians get high-quality public programs.

by Andy Brack · 09/30/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

From a 1715 map by Johann Homann, via Wikimedia.

BRACK: Charleston’s past reveals a lot of firsts

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | Charleston will have a series of big parties next year as the Holy City celebrates the 350th anniversary of its founding.

In 1670, English settlers first set up on Albemarle Point along the Ashley River, only to move 10 years later to the peninsula for better health and safety. They built a palisade wall around the settlement to become the only English walled city in what would become the United States, according to historians Jack Bass and Scott Poole.

by Andy Brack · 09/23/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

BRACK: Mayoral ad wars show two different kinds of candidates

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The ad wars in the Nov. 5 Charleston mayor’s race have started. So far, they offer vivid depictions of the differences of the two top candidates, incumbent John Tecklenburg and councilman Mike Seekings.

(Yes, there are four other candidates in the race but they won’t be much of a presence in other than obligatory references in news stories; they’re not really raising the money they need to spread their messages with impact on television.)

by Andy Brack · 09/16/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

Santee Cooper linemen work to restore power after the brunt of Dorian passed. Photos Courtesy Santee Cooper. © All rights reserved.

BRACK: Give local governments, utilities a pat on the back

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | Two smells provide vivid memories of Hurricane Hugo.

The first came just after the storm as the resin scent of snapped pine trees filled a car during a drive along Interstate 26 toward Charleston. The air smelled like an open bottle of Pine-Sol. Days later, thanks to decomposing piles of leaves, molding carpets, rotting food and mildewed garbage, came the overwhelming stink of rot.

Fresh and clean, followed by cloying decay.

by Andy Brack · 09/09/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

Laborers returning at sunset from picking cotton, on Alex. Knox’s plantation, Mount Pleasant, near Charleston, S.C. Photo by G.N. Barnard. Date of photo likely is 1876-79.

BRACK: This blockbuster report should change your view of history

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | To better understand why South Carolina is like it is, you need to read The 1619 Project.

This blockbuster re-telling of history not taught in schools likely will provide a new understanding about how America became a country — and how enslaved Africans played a vital role — not just a subservient one — in the creation of our democracy.

by Andy Brack · 09/02/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

BRACK: A great send-off for Planet Jimbo

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | Jim Goolsby’s obituary was unexpected in more ways than one.

Celebrate Jim’s life, it said, by putting on your favorite bright and colorful Superhero T-shirt (please no black unless Darth Vader or Batman), and join family and friends at Hampton Park. There will be food, water and tea, it added, saying you could bring chairs, blankets and coolers (wink, wink.)

by Andy Brack · 08/26/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

FOCUS: In challenging times, a diversified portfolio can be good news

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | We can always focus on the problems. That is easy. But what if we change the focus to look for the opportunities or solutions? Then, perhaps, we’ll accomplish something worthwhile.

The markets and world events in today’s financial markets are creating a lot of uncertainties. The interest rate yield curve is inverted. Tariffs and their ultimate effect on our economy is unknown. The stock market is a roller coaster, to put it mildly. Uncertainties such as these stir up our fears, and this often leads to poor decisions. Our lives and investments are tied to the markets. What can we do to make sure that we do not fall into the trap of reacting emotionally from fear?

So we need to go back to the basics. Does the fluctuating stock market truly make a difference in your day-to-day life? If not, then let the markets do what they may, and see if you can invest as opportunities are created. If your daily life is affected, then it may be time to take a closer look at your total situation and revisit what is important.

by Kyra Morris · 08/19/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Money, Views

Photo by contributing photographer rob Byko.

BRACK: PSC needs to investigate Charleston-area tree butchery

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The drama over the butchery of trees near power lines is too predictable. It’s time for something to change.

The narrative is, unfortunately, a four-part play: …

by Andy Brack · 08/19/2019 · 3 comments · Andy Brack, Views

BRACK: #PayItForward with #RandomActsOfKindness

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | With all of America’s turmoil, you might feel discouraged. Worn down. Like there’s nothing you can do that will really make a difference because the system is so big that whatever you do just won’t matter.

Not true. You can make a difference. But you might want to think a little closer to home. More than three dozen Facebook friends this week offered advice on ways to cure feelings that that you can’t be agents of change.

by Andy Brack · 08/12/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views