Edge of the Road

Bostic, NC: Carolina Lincoln Believers

One of several bronze busts at the Bostic Lincoln Center.

Every mainstream Abe Lincoln historian, biographer, and scholar believes that our 16th president was born in a log cabin near Hogdenville, Kentucky. Every. Single. One. Of them.

That said, the small town of Bostic, North Carolina, claims Lincoln as one of their own.

The Bostic Lincoln Center is a tiny museum dedicated to the local lore that Abe not only was born there, but that he was also born out of wedlock.

I reported on the legend, queried some national experts, and even explored the idea of DNA testing.

Conclusion: No history book revisions in the near future.

Click here to listen to my WFAE story on the Bostic Lincoln Center.

Ron Watson and Keith Price are instrumental volunteers at the Bostic Lincoln Center. They're standing at the ruins of a cabin where they believe Abe Lincoln was actually born.

Local history professor Richard Eller co-authored the book The Tarheel Lincoln which claims Abe was born in North Carolina.

Keith Price founded the Bostic Lincoln Center.

A blonde dachshund named Sadie is the museum's mascot.

Charlotte: Willie Flemming, Obama Admirer

Listen to Willie's Thoughts on Obama's stance on Gay Marriage

I met Willie Flemming in the parking lot of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church while researching a story for NPR. It was examining the African American community's thoughts about Obama's endorsement of gay marriage. Willie voted against a North Carolina amendment that banned gay marriage. And he was proud that President Obama took a strong position on the issue.

"A good leader will always make a decision," said Flemming. "You gotta be somewhere. You can't lead and stay behind."

(Listen to my NPR story "Black Voters Weigh Obama, Support for Marriage Ban")

Charlotte: Jim Brown, Legal Observer

Listen to Jim describe his job at the protest

Jim Brown is a retiree from Asheville, NC, who came to Charlotte this week to be a legal observer on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild. Several hundred were in town protesting Bank of America during the company's shareholder meeting.

His role was to observe the crowd and police officers and take notes if there were altercations.

"We just hope that everyone is non-violent and that there's no problems."

On the whole there were six non-violent arrests. I saw Jim a few hours after I met him, and he had no significant notes on the protest.

(Listen to my WFAE story about the protest.)

Charlotte: Michael McPherson, Veteran Protestor

Listen to Michael talk about why he is protesting

Michael McPherson came from Newark, NJ, this week to protest Bank of America during the company's shareholder meeting.

He is a veteran of the first Gulf War.  And his son has just returned from military service in the Middle East.

"You fought a war overseas, and you come back home. It's almost like fighting a war here at home to survive. People can't find jobs. They get their house foreclosed on."

(For my story on the protest, click here.)

Walton County, FL: Some Images

Miramar Beach

The Grand, Sandestin

Pavilion, Seaside

Pier, Miramar Beach

Pier II, Miramar Beach

The Grand, Sandestin

Fishing, Miramar Beach

Charlotte: "Violins of Hope"

 

As part of the "Violins of Hope" project, Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein restored several violins that belonged to Jewish musicians killed during the Holocaust. This Holocaust Remembrance Day performance at Temple Israel in Charlotte featured the violins played by numerous musicians.

Suly Chenkin, Holocaust survivor from Lithuania

Shlomo Mintz, violin virtuoso

Charlotte: Wunderkind Kayaker Waits for 2016

Despite being one of the top kayakers on the US National team, 18-year-old Michal Smolen has no shot at making the 2012 Olympics.  He was born in Poland, has lived in North Carolina for almost 9 years, and he just has his green card.

My story on Michal ran on WFAE here.

Attempts to expedite his citizenship were unsuccessful. Although he's disappointed, he's looking forward four years to the Summer Games in Rio.

Michal with his dad and coach Rafal Smolen.