All in Columns

Dr. Escabí: What we know about COVID-19

Let’s talk about coronavirus, COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2, or other names that are inappropriate, either because they are inaccurate or make light of something serious. Call it what you will, but the fact is that we are dealing with a situation that has fundamentally altered our lives, possibly in a permanent way. I’m taking this opportunity to write a short distillate of the most practical and pertinent information.

Kristy Bock: Pandemic politics are not welcome

COVID-19 has no preference for party affiliations, and neither should we. As we suffer through a pivotal moment in history, its easy to point a finger and find someone to blame. Ever changing intelligence does not offer the same clarity as hindsight. Our governing body has displayed both strengths and weaknesses in doing what we have shown ourselves incapable of.

Reece Gardner: Perspective

Well, the Coronavirus is still with us, but there are hopeful signs that we may soon be turning the corner on the road to recovery. I like the way President Trump put it when he said it is not a question of MAY, it is a question of MUST. It is a bout perspective.

Mike Parker: May the Lord bless, protect healthcare providers and first responders

Many are paying heaps of lip-service to the unselfish and heroic behavior of those who are serving during the current health care crisis and its uncertainty. I cannot help but wonder how many of us truly understand the sacrificial nature of the work doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and first responders are doing: the long hours, the constant vigilance, the unending possibility of exposure to themselves and their families.

Jon Dawson: Justin Bieber in Kinston, iClouds and photos from a drowned phone

At least once a month I hook up all of the family phones to a laptop and extract the photos. I seem to be alone in this, as most people store their photos in some magical cloud that Steve Jobs tethered to the Apple corporate headquarters in Cupertino, CA. By the way, has anyone else noticed the weather started to get crazy around the time the Apple iCloud was introduced in 2011? Mother Nature doesn't seem to be fond of selfies.

Reece Gardner: Covid-19 - Hopefully, the tide is turning

Hopefully the tide is turning. In a letter to all state governors last week, President Trump announced that his Administration would be releasing new guidelines for state and local officials that will allow them to be more flexible in response to the coronavirus and to seek a balance between public health & economic stability. We are not going to eliminate or cure all the illnesses of this world, but we can reach out to those who are suffering and perhaps ease their pain.

John Hood: Shelter in place isn’t sustainable

I have been ordered, under threat of arrest and imprisonment, to minimize my contact with friends and family who live across town or in another city. I have been ordered, under threat of arrest and imprisonment, not to assemble with others to express our jointly held opinions or practice our jointly held faith.

Dr. Travis Towne: You can no longer say that

I had an epiphany the other night… you know one of those thoughts that cross your mind after you’ve eaten one too many Double-Stuffed Oreos at 1:00 a.m. because you couldn’t fall asleep and were watching The Mentalist before you turned off the lights. I realized I could no longer say that I have never experienced the fearful grip of a pandemic, the subsequent stay at home order issued by a governor, and the absolute panic of going to four different stores at 7:00 a.m. and seeing no toilet paper on the shelves.

Jon Dawson: Imitation Charmin and friendship

Correai's issue was down to tissue. He and his bride live in Apex, which is the Latin word for "no toilet paper". They weren't in emergency status yet, but after a week of trying to shore up their supply came up short, I was asked if I could find any in Kinston. Since Correai is a Level 3/Pop-Tart/shovel friend, I jumped at the chance to help.

Reece Gardner: Positive recognition

One of the many discoveries I made during my years of Dale Carnegie teaching was that one of the greatest desires of human beings is to feel important, whether at any level of achievement or at any age. Sometimes we tend to overlook that even the young and the very young need positive recognition.