I am so blessed to be spending this Christmas with my precious children and grandchildren. This is one of those special times that will remain clearly in my mind on into eternity.
All in Columns
Jon Dawson: Sleeping bag vending machines introduced at airports
A flight attendant assured me it was just "pockets of air" that were causing the trouble. I told him I was worried the "pockets of air" might cause the plane to "hurdle to the ground". No one likes a whiner, but what kind of airline chooses The Buddy Holly Story as the Inflight movie?
Rudy Coggins: Holiday season holds a different meaning
Before that glorious afternoon this past August, my world had been turned upside down, inside out and flipped backward with the passing of my dad and my mom in 2018. They died 8 1/2 months within each other. This is the second holiday season without them. And the 12th without my only brother, who passed away in 2008.
What do you want for Christmas? (2019 version)
I stumbled across a column I had written around Christmastime in 1999. “Sometime around Thanksgiving, wives and children begin firing the question that never seems to end until Christmas Day. What do you want for Christmas, Dad?”
Justin Stout: Free entrepreneurship program offered at the library
The Neuse Regional Library System is committed to opening the door to opportunities for residents in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones Counties by making informational resources and programming freely accessible to them. One of the ways we have recently done this is through the ICE HOUSE Entrepreneurship Program, a free three-week course sponsored by the NC IDEA Foundation designed to inspire and engage participants with the determination and perseverance of an entrepreneurial mindset.
John Hood: Our state could tip national balance
It’s no secret that North Carolina is one of the most politically competitive states in America. But recent decisions by the presidential campaign of late-entrant Michael Bloomberg demonstrate just how central the Tar Heel State is likely to be in the political melodramas of 2020.
Reece Gardner: "God heard me"
Since we are entering the Christmas Season, I want to revisit some remarks I made several years ago about Kevin Schull's experience during this season.
Jon Dawson: Aqua Velveeta and Christmas trees
The first time I was in charge of setting up the tree I had to cram a few dozen issues of Toothpick Collector magazine and a high-heeled shoe under one leg of the stand to keep everything level. One year after removing the tree skirt our oldest daughter thought the dozens of magazines were presents from Santa that we'd missed.
Mike Parker: The Walking Lady’ touched many lives
Like most of us, I had seen a short, thin lady walking along the backroads of county. Often, when I was driving in the direction she was walking, I would stop and offer her a ride.
Kristy Bock: The reality show president
While First Lady, Melania Trump, has spoken out against cyberbullying, President Trump is often a proponent of it. With numerous tweets that attack journalists, fellow politicians, and celebrities that disagree with him, including members of his party.
Neuse Regional Library: Ending 2019 on a good note
The Neuse Regional Library won two of twenty 2019 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Awards.
Reece Gardner: The impeachment charade
The impeachment charade on Thursday of last week featuring four "so-called "Constitutional Scholars was really painful to watch. These four were unanimous in one thing - they all hate President Trump.
Jon Dawson: Fictional tragedy unites millions
Last week the United States was rattled by a tragedy that sent millions into a panic. It wasn't the humanitarian disasters in Syria, Yemen or Venezuela, nor was it any of the domestic problems involving crime, Wall Street or Kylie Jenner.
What upset, triggered and knotted up so many (to the point that it was covered by all major networks during the evening news) was a commercial about an exercise bike.
Mike Parker: As Christmas approaches, please give to ‘Friends of the Homeless’
Each “night” is a man, woman or child who had no place to go, no food to eat, and no way to keep warm in the winter or keep cool in the summer.
Reece Gardner: Making the best of sad times
But we all have things happening in our lives TODAY which we should recognize and be thankful for, such as our families and friends. I thank God every day for the steadfast love of my wonderful family here on Earth and for the guidance I receive from Above.
Jon Dawson: Soda cats and fresh sausage
When we started having kids, The Wife and I stopped buying gifts for one another and focused on the kids, but we still put a few things in each other's Christmas stockings. Every year I look forward to taking my two Tax Deductions shopping to find a few things for The Wife's Christmas stocking and maybe stumble onto something they'd like for themselves. Our youngest is still into it, but the 15-year-old is becoming a little too cool for school.
Mike Parker: Giving the gift of family history
Neuse News columnist Mike Parker shares how he recently stumbled upon an old family video of his father and family.
Justin Barnett: When you hurt, He hurts
Over the next month or so, many will gather with family and friends to eat and to celebrate. However, for some, the holiday season will not be a time of happiness and celebration. The reality is that many people grieve during this time of year.
Reece Gardner: Being thankful today
Let's be thankful for what we have TODAY and let's show our loved ones NOW how much we love and appreciate them.
Jon Dawson: A Tax Deduction turns 15
I've never really pined for the days of my youth, and I've always looked forward to birthdays. If I understand the concept of birthdays correctly, the goal is to keep having them.