On Saturday I received a letter that had the potential to change the course of my life, the lives of my loved ones, and the lives of those freeloading, barnacle-like friends of mine who are always asking me to cosign for them.
All in Columns
Mike Parker: Keep reactions to coronavirus in perspective
We Americans seem given to overreaction. The recent coronavirus is a perfect example of how some in our news media, bent on sensationalizing every “crisis,” can strike fear even into the hearts of supposedly stalwart Wall Street Traders.
Reece Gardner: The sword of defense
There are many who maintain that since there are so many different kinds of weapons among the populace that we should just use the term "Sword" to bring them all into the discussion arena. Let's do that now: There is nothing inherently good or bad about a sword. The quality of sharpened steel may be determined by whether it's in the hands of a surgeon or a bandit.
Jon Dawson: Tax Deductions, snow and a dog eating collards
I approached Today Show weatherman Al Roker at an outdoor taping and asked if it was true that he owned stock in Sunbeam bread and Maola milk. Within seconds, Al's security team escorted me to the NBC gift shop. I was coerced into signing a non-disclosure agreement and given a free "juice" flask bearing the likeness of Kathie Lee and Hoda.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Cauliflower comeback
For those of you who think that cauliflower is only delicious if eaten under a blanket of cheese, think again! Cauliflower has made a comeback on the menus of family-style restaurants and favorite eateries as an alternative to the higher-carb potato.
Visit the ‘Front Porch’ and enter the storytelling experience
The Front Porch is an artistic depiction of the place where much oral history was transmitted in the South, a project funded through the Z Smith Reynolds Inclusive Public Art Grant. From 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, you can share in the Front Porch experience at the 1901 Building, located at 129 N. Queen Street. Earl Ijames of the North Carolina Museum of History will host the event, and he will be a presenter, as well.
John Hood: Sanders would hurt state Democrats
The confusing jumble that was the 2020 Iowa caucuses proved to be a very public disaster for Hawkeye State Democrats, national party leaders, and the campaign of former Vice President Joe Biden. It was also a disaster, although not yet as public a disaster, for another group: North Carolina Democrats such as Gov. Roy Cooper.
Reece Gardner: I once walked 17 miles and met Jack Hankins
Sometimes we aspire to things we are not prepared to handle, but which very well might come into fruition for us later. How Jack Hankins (eventually) hired me.
Jon Dawson: The bright side of the Tar Heels' basketball season
I was drawn into Tar Heel basketball at an early age through the Voice of the Tar Heels Woody Durham. As many of you may know, Durham could make drying paint sound compelling. I'm also a fan of his successor Jones Angell, who along with his partner Eric Montross has made even this abysmal season nearly digestible.
Mike Parker: Freedom Classic pits Navy against Air Force this weekend
For the 10th straight year, Historic Grainger Stadium will host one of the fiercest battles of the 2020 baseball season as baseball teams from the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy face each other in a three-game competition for bragging rights.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: All about Avocado!
To my knowledge we do not actually produce any avocado in Eastern North Carolina, but during the winter months it is a great option for adding some health benefits to your winter menus.
Justin Stout: Libraries play an important role in bringing broadband to the public
In the past few years, the Internet has moved beyond being simply a resource for leisure activities or research to becoming an essential part of daily life. In 2020, individuals are required to use the internet to look for and apply for jobs, seek educational opportunities, access government services, and do many other essential things that were previously done offline.
John Nix: Lenoir County already is a Second Amendment rights protected county
Over the past two months over 50 North Carolina Counties have passed Resolutions through their County Commissions declaring their resolve to protect their residents’ Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution right to bear arms. Many of you have asked, “What about Lenoir County?”.
Reece Gardner: Early voting starts today
Elections are not the main focus of my Column today, but I do want to highlight the fact that One Stop Early Voting begins on Thursday, Feb. 13, and will run until Saturday, Feb. 29, with Primary Election Day falling on Tuesday, March 3.
Jon Dawson: Lost wedding rings and pet ducks
TD#1 has been harping on the pet duck thing for about a year now. We have a beautiful dog named Lucille that is quite loving to people and joyously homicidal to any series of critters she discovers invading our yard. I'm not sure what function the duck would serve that Lucille isn't already serving, as she loves the water and after eating too quickly is known to quack like a Gatling gun for several minutes.
Feb. 27 ‘Chitlin’ Circuit’ to feature food, fellowship – and music legends
Soul food, great entertainment, and a sense of freedom defined spaces owned by people of color that formed the backbone of the “Chitlin Circuit.” Kinston was a featured part of the circuit in the years before the end of Jim Crow.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Winter warming seafood stews
Only a nice soup will warm you up in the winter, and in Eastern NC we love it when it is a seafood-based recipe.
Dr. Travis Towne: Let's talk about Girl Scout Cookies
Last Saturday at a local grocery store, I experienced something firsthand that I have always heard about, but never truly believed.
Reece Gardner: The Cousins' Reunion and the walls of Jericho
This past weekend - Thursday through Sunday - will fall into that category of "Precious Memories" for me. My loving, precious daughter Jessica spent those days here with me and I felt blessed beyond description.
Jon Dawson: When your dog eats scissors...
At night when everyone has stopped scurrying around, Lucille and I love to go for a walk. She periodically gets distracted and proceeds to dig up several acres of farmland in pursuit of some varmint. She chases birds and rabbits day and night - and occasionally catches them. I can't tell you how many crime scenes our sweet dog has generated.