Lucas G. "Luke" Boyd's career spans 48 years in the field of education, retiring after serving as principal of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin for 19 years. He has published two books, eight short stories, and article in 'Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.' He holds a B.S. degree from University of Mississippi, M.S. from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in English History. Born and raised in Mississippi, he has lived in Middle Tennessee since 1957. He and his wife, Sara, have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Recent Stories
Shades of Grey: 'Walk-off' criminals
Back in March 2011, I wrote a column about the “Walk-off” folks—the ones who, according to an old Afro-American story about the Creation, walked off before the Lord could give them brains. These people have been reproducing and messing up the world ever since. That column was about general “walk offs.” Today’s is about a specific group—the “walk-off” criminals. These are the ones who can’t even do the wrong things right.
Shades of Grey: At the car wash
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new comes along. The other day Honey came in to where I was hard at work with pen and paper.
Shades of Grey: Wearisome words and phrases
It seems as if a certain word or phrase will crop up from somewhere and then be used so much that it becomes a cliche and a crutch for the unoriginal—those who adopt these “cool” linguistic snippets and banter them about until they wear the edges off all the vowels and most of the consonants.
Shades of Grey: Putting people on
The best “put ons” are not planned. They just happen as the situation presents itself.
Shades of Grey: All pottiers are not equal
I’m going to put a disclaimer here on the front end: I’m happy for women to do anything they are capable of and qualified for. I think a woman should get equal pay if she does equal work. I’m happy with women heading universities, large corporations, and preaching in Baptist churches. I’ve got no problem with a woman President. However, there is one place where I draw the line.
Shades of Grey: Absurdities Abound All Around
Is the world growing more absurd—or is it just me? You be the judge.
Shades of Grey: Full Moon Risin'
Seems like a lot of folks are getting awfully upset about mooning - the act of displaying one's bare buttocks by dropping the clothing and bending forward. I suspect this has been going on since people have had behinds.
Shades of Grey: Sports Nicknames and Mascots
Football season is now in full swing, giving us the opportunity not only to see the players in pads and helmets but also the mascots. Every team has to have a nickname AND a mascot. It’s a requirement.
Shades of Grey: Talking, Being & Doing Southern
I’m sure all regions of the country have their own peculiarities—practices and sayings that set them apart. The South is particularly rich in this regard. Here are some I’ve noted during my years as a Southern person.
Shades of Grey: Remember My Nickname When I'm Gone
For some reason I have become an avid reader of the obituary section of the newspaper. I've found that you can learn more about a person from the obituary than any other source. But there are a couple of things that never cease to amaze me.
